Nick Saban gives latest injury update on Deontae Lawson, Jaylen Key

Nick Saban provided an additional update on injured Alabama defenders Deontae Lawson and Jaylen Key after getting through the weekend.

Alabama beat LSU 42-28 at home but lost two key defenders in the process. Both players appear to be banged up but likely won’t be out long term.

Saban cautioned the approach as “day-to-day” with Lawson and Key.

“No, I don’t (have an update),” Saban said during his Monday presser. “I think we prepare to play in this game because, you know, both guys have injuries that you know, are day-to-day in terms of what they’re going to be able to do. So it’s not just a matter of whether they would be ready to play in the game, but can they practice enough to be ready to play in the game? 

“So that’s going to be day-to-day. So, you know, both guys, I would have to say, if you have to say would be questionable, because it is questionable. I don’t know what they’re going to be able to do day-to-day.”

Lawson was seen in a walking boot on the sideline following his injury Saturday night.

Lawson recorded just three tackles on Saturday. He was part of the linebacking core attempt to slow down LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels, specifically on the ground. Mainly in the first half, there was not a lot of success as Daniels was able to run all over Alabama.

There was even a move Daniels put on Lawson, putting him on the ground. It’s not known whether or not that play led to Lawson’s injury, thought to be an ankle injury.

Key reportedly suffered a quad injury in the win over the Tigers. His injury occurred in the first quarter and was eventually ruled out for the rest of the game. Saban was then forced to switch around some of his secondary, proving how versatile some of his guys can be.

Terrion Arnold, who is usually an outside corner and dealt with his own injury for a minute, moved a bit inside and played the STAR position. Malachi Moore moved back to safety, replacing Key at the spot. Playing across Kool-Aid McKinstry at Arnold’s original cornerback spot was Trey Amos, completing what must have felt like a shift change for the defensive back room.

Alabama has a quick turnaround with a 12:00 p.m. ET kickoff at Kentucky this coming weekend. The Crimson Tide have two SEC games remaining, including Auburn, with Chattanooga on November 18.

Griffin McVeigh contributed to this report