Alabama's Chris Allen having surgery, likely to miss rest of 2021 season
Alabama’s depth at outside linebacker is already being tested this season. On Monday, coach Nick Saban revealed that starting linebacker Chris Allen will likely miss the remainder of the 2021 season.
That unfortunate, but expected news is the result of the injury Allen sustained during the second quarter of Alabama’s 44-13 victory over Miami on Saturday.
During a sack-fumble on Hurricanes quarterback D’Eriq King, Allen hurt his foot and was subsequently taken to the team’s medical tent. He soon emerged on a cart, which carried him to the locker room to be further evaluated.
Allen was later seen wearing a walking boot while on crutches, which was a clear indicator that something substantial had occurred. At his weekly Monday press conference, Saban confirmed that belief.
“Chris Allen does have a foot fracture that will require surgery,” Saban told reporters. “He’s most likely out for the year.”
Top 10
- 1
Cam Newton
Doubling down on Notre Dame doubt
- 2
Paul Finebaum
Big Ten could change paradigm of CFB
- 3Hot
SEC lacks elite talent depth
Marcus Spears explains why
- 4
PJ Fleck Mayo Bath
Watch the celebration or punishment
- 5Trending
CFP's 'ultimate flaw'
Paul Finebaum takes aim at CFP
Get the On3 Top 10 to your inbox every morning
By clicking "Subscribe to Newsletter", I agree to On3's Privacy Notice, Terms, and use of my personal information described therein.
The news is unfortunate, not only for Allen but for Alabama as well. The redshirt senior has been a fixture with the starting defense over the last two seasons.
He’s played a perfect complementary role to fellow outside linebacker Will Anderson. Last season, the two combined for 23.5 sacks and 13 sacks. On Saturday, they each had a sack and several QB pressures.
Fortunately for Alabama, second-year edge player Drew Sanders is ready to step into a larger role. After being the first outside linebacker off the bench in 2020, he filled in for Allen on Saturday, playing 38 snaps while racking up six tackles.
Sanders, as well as others such as Chris Braswell and maybe freshman Dallas Turner, will see a larger role moving forward. And considering all three were blue-chip prospects coming out of high school, they’ll be ready for it.
Sign up for On3+ and spend only $10 for the first year. That gets you access to exclusive recruiting nuggets, team breakdowns and one of the fastest growing Alabama message board communities out there.
