TUSCALOOSA, Ala.– Its battles against Louisiana State University have always been tough, but the result from Saturday’s brand of physicality was not what Alabama wanted.
After finding ways to manage through a multitude of injuries, medical mishaps would rear its head again in the Crimson Tide’s 24-10 win over the Tigers.
Senior linebacker Shaun Dion Hamilton hurt his knee in the second half, while sophomore Mack Wilson (foot) was not seen on the field for much of the entire game.
Junior safety Minkah Fitzpatrick was shaken up multiple times – including a hamstring injury in the second half, which limited his field time.
During his post-game presser, head coach Nick Saban called the victory ‘a costly win.’
“Shaun Dion (Hamilton) is probably out and so is Mack Wilson,” Saban said. “And we already had a couple of linebackers out so, this is going to be a challenge to get enough guys.”
As for Fitzpatrick, he was able to play some in dime. Per Saban, an MRI will be done on his hamstring to get a full status but since he did play some, it may not as bad.
Redshirt junior Keith Holcombe filled in for Hamilton – posting four total tackles with one coming for loss. Although it has not been confirmed as to when Wilson’s foot injury occurred, not having neither him nor Hamilton takes four backers away from the Tide moving forward.
Per Alabama: Shaun Dion Hamilton and Mack Wilson are out for the season @SEConCBS @AlabamaFTBL @CBSSports
— Allie LaForce (@ALaForce) November 5, 2017
Should both be out for the remainder of the year, much pressure falls on Holcombe, Rashaan Evans, Joshua McMillion, Dylan Moses and more than likely, Ben Davis. Alabama will travel to Davis Wade Stadium next week to face Nick Fitzgerald and Mississippi State at Starkville, Miss.
Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @Smsmith_TDALMag.
