Alabama injuries: Nick Saban on status of Chris Allen, Henry To'o To'o

Head Coach Nick Saban updated Crimson Tide fans on the status of two of their injured players after the Miami win, unfortunately, one of them wasn’t good news about linebacker Chris Allen.

“Chris Allen’s got a pretty significant foot injury and they’ll further evaluate. It looks like he may be lost for the season.”

Allen finished the game with three total tackles, one tackle for loss, one sack, and one forced fumble.

Here is the play where Allen was injured.

Good luck blocking Will Anderson and Chris Allen off the edge all year … that front 7 is scary. pic.twitter.com/C7vuSz2tVz

— Chris Hummer (@chris_hummer) September 4, 2021

During the broadcast, following Allen’s sack-fumble, the broadcasting crew announced both Allen and King were taken to the medical tent following the play. While King returned to the sideline shortly afterward, Allen was carted off the field for further injury evaluation.

Allen’s big play came early in the second quarter with Alabama already leading 17-0 in their marquee opening game. With Allen’s help, Alabama held Miami to only ten offensive plays on their first three drives. Miami punted on both first-quarter drives before giving up a fumble early in the second quarter.

Coach Saban also updated fans on the status of linebacker Henry To’o To’o after the game.

“Henry hurt his elbow, but he’ll be okay,” Saban said.

To’o To’o, a former four-star prospect who transferred from Tennessee, racked up seven tackles in the game, good enough for second on the team.

To’o To’o emerged from the medical tent with a brace on his right elbow. He joined his teammates on the bench afterward, according to Nick Kelly of the Tuscaloosa News.

Alabama’s head coach also noted there were no other significant injuries for the Tide.

“I don’t think anybody else has got a significant injury,” he said.

Saban also noted there were a few players that needed IVs, a few that were cramping, but none of those injuries were deemed serious or significant.

Dominant Defensive Front

The Tide’s defensive front seven dominated the Miami game, racking up four sacks and seven tackles for loss. The Hurricanes’ offensive line could find no answers for Alabama’s dominant linebacker corps. Their linebacker unit showed why many people are calling them the best unit in America.

Will Anderson, Jr. showed everyone why he’s one of the best linebackers in college football, racking up nine tackles, one tackle for loss, and one sack in the game. Christian Harris tallied five tackles, two tackles for loss, and one sack.

The Tide rolled to a 44-13 throttling of Miami. It wasn’t only the defense that showed up, there were electric plays made all over the field by Bama wide receivers like Jameson Williams. It was total domination in all facets of the game.

Christopher Allen’s impact

The redshirt senior linebacker has become one of the best pass rushers on the Alabama defense. In 2020, Allen led the SEC in tackles for a loss with 13 and tallied six sacks. Allen entered the season opening game with three career forced fumbles before adding another to his career numbers.

Allen joined the Crimson Tide as one of the best prospects in the nation, a four-star recruit from Louisiana. Contributing as an edge pass rusher in his freshman season, Allen’s career hit a detour in 2018 when he suffered a knee injury that sidelined him for the season.

Returning from injury in 2019, he saw limited action despite playing every game of the season. In 2020, he became a feature of the Alabama defense in a breakout season.

On3’s Austin Brezina also contributed to this report.