Kobe Prentice injury: Alabama WR leaves after controversial targeting no-call

Alabama spent all week looking to avoid a trap game against Vanderbilt but finds itself down 16 around the two-minute timeout. Just as the offense was gaining momentum, they lost a key wide receiver — Kobe Prentice — due to a massive hit laid on him by two defenders.

Before even hitting the ground, Prentice looked to be shaken up. Alabama trainers rushed onto the field before immediately taking him to the locker room. Prentice was able to walk off but did have a little bit of assistance.

There was more to the play than just an injury, though. A flag was originally called on Vanderbilt for targeting, potentially giving Alabama 15 more yards. However, after review, the SEC replay center in Birmingham concluded there was no targeting.

Prentice still made the catch and was ruled down, going 15 yards and earning an Alabama first down. A drive where points are desperately needed by the Crimson Tide, Prentice unfortunately took a huge blow in the middle of it. Depending on his status, the reception may be Prentice’s lone of the game.

Through four games, Prentice has seven receptions for 92 yards. He does have a touchdown, coming in the win against USF earlier in the season. Prentice entered the days as Alabama’s third-leading receiver and would be a big loss if he cannot play the rest of the game.

Alabama is already without its second-leading receiver, Kendrick Law. The injury report had Law listed all week and on Friday, he was finally ruled out. The Crimson Tide still does have freshman phenom Ryan Williams playing but the experienced pass catchers for quarterback Jalen Milroe is dwindling.

And at some point, Alabama and Kalen DeBoer will have to get the offense going. While Vanderbilt has done a great job controlling the clock, points are needed to get back into the game. Maybe Milroe can get back to the ground game himself and make some magic with his legs.