Nick Saban provides injury updates on Deontae Lawson, Jaylen Key following LSU win

Nick Saban got exactly what he wanted for his birthday — a good performance against LSU. Alabama once again put on a masterclass in the second half, pulling away early in the third quarter. Another great half from the defense was paired with a historic performance from quarterback Jalen Milroe.

Alabama did not come out of the game unscathed, dealing with a couple of defensive injuries. Linebacker Deontae Lawson and defensive back Jaylen Key both left the game. Two key guys for the Crimson Tide, people in Tuscaloosa have to be praying it’s nothing long-term.

Following the game, Saban gave out what information he knew about Lawson and Key. He was able to provide what exactly is injured but not the extent. Saban wants more testing to be conducted before giving out any kind of timeline.

“One guy has an ankle,” Saban said. “One guy has a quad. I don’t know how bad the injuries are until they do MRIs and all that kind of stuff. So, I can’t tell you more than that.”

Lawson is thought to be the one with the ankle injury. He left in the middle of the LSU contest and was eventually seen back on the sideline. However, was not wearing pads and sported on walking boot on his left leg. Unfortunately, Lawson has already dealt with injuries this season.

As for Key, 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.

Next up for Alabama is an early 11 a.m. kickoff in Lexington against Kentucky. Getting Lawson and Key back into the lineup would be huge for the Crimson Tide. For the time being though, there is not a further update from Saban.

More is likely to come during his press conferences throughout the week. Tests will get done in Tuscaloosa as soon as possible before Alabama gets back onto the practice field to prepare for their final stretch of the 2023 season.