Nick Saban reveals Deontae Lawson, Dallas Turner will miss entire spring following offseason surgeries

Alabama began its spring practices Monday, and head coach Nick Saban revealed which players he expects to miss time over the next few months.

“Probably Deontae Lawson and Dallas Turner are two guys that are out of the spring completely. Both guys have had surgeries,” Saban said. “There shouldn’t be any issues moving forward, but they’re probably out for the entire spring.”

Turner compiled 14 solo tackles and 4.0 sacks during his sophomore campaign with the Crimson Tide. Lawson finished the year with 51 total tackles (24 solo) and four passes deflected. Turner is a former five-star recruit and top-10 player out of the 2021 class, according to the On3 Industry Rankings, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. Lawson was a four-star prospect in the Class of 2020.

Saban also listed RB Roydell Williams and DB Devonta Smith as two players that have the potential to miss a decent portion of spring practices but are expected to make a return sometime in the offseason. TE Robbie Ouzts, DL Jah-Marien Latham and DL Justin Eboigbe are currently limited and will all likely miss the spring game next month.

Eboigbe missed most of the 2022 season after suffering a neck injury and there has been no rush to get him back onto the field. He posted on social media earlier this month saying that he had “great news,” which seems to indicate he will be making an official return sooner rather than later.

Another player that won’t be on the field for the forseaable future is incoming freshman Alabama safety Tony Mitchell — but for a different reason. Mitchell was recently arrested on a marijuana charge including possession with the intent to sell and/or deliver. He was the No. 116 overall recruit in the 2023 cycle, and is still listed on the spring practice roster sheet despite his status with the team.

“Everybody has the opportunity to make choices and decisions. There’s no such thing in being in the wrong place at the wrong time,” Saban said. “You’ve got to be responsible for who you’re with, who you’re around, and what you do. Who you associate yourself with and the situation you put yourself in. It is what it is but there is cause and effect when you make choice and decisions that put you in bad situations.”

Alabama’s spring game is scheduled for Saturday, April 22, at Bryant-Denny Stadium.