Life has an ebb and flow to it.
From bodies of water to sports, it never ceases to amaze in seeing things come full circle. For the University of Alabama, it encountered injuries at linebacker in 2017 yet the final result yielded something beautiful.
Terrell Lewis was the first of the position to sustain a medical mishap; however, the boomerang returned to him in the biggest game of the season and he responded with a pivotal sack in helping the Tide win a national championship.
A common phrase is lighting does not strike the same place twice.
This is not the case in Lewis’ circumstance, as he suffered another injury during the summer and has not played all season. Ever determined, the junior made a miraculous comeback in returning to the practice field just five months after having surgery to repair the anterior cruciate ligament in his knee.
While he gave his word that he is returning to school next year, Nick Saban shut down all possibilities of him playing this year. All of what the junior has done to this point is rehab based; nevertheless, could it be that the “next man up” baton has returned to Lewis?
RELATED: Alabama LB Terrell Lewis to return to school for 2019 season
It is a good thought, especially after what happened to Christian Miller.
After returning from a biceps injury last year, the senior was healthy and has played his best football through 14 games. He had one of two sacks of Oklahoma’s quarterback, Kyler Murray in the Orange Bowl and is among the team leaders in sacks (8.5) and tackles for loss (11.5).
Miller went down with a hamstring injury in the second half and did not return.
He had to be assisted to the locker room and facial expression gave a look of obvious pain. Even though the news of his injury came out positive – hamstring pull – it is very difficult to perform at 100 percent when dealing with hamstring, ankle and groin issues because they are tricky to gauge.
It did not need him in neither the Southeastern Conference title game nor Orange Bowl, but does Alabama call on Lewis out of necessity? It makes a lot of sense if Miller cannot go.
As good as Jamey Mosley is, he is not quite the difference maker and next level animal outside that Lewis has shown at times. The combination of LaBryan Ray and Eyabi Anoma running tag-team could be something nice, but the Washington D.C. native has more experience at the position setting the edge.
Not saying he will play, but it should be a thought.
In basketball, it is the one who in bounds the ball that normally gets it back and has a chance to knock down a shot.
At Alabama, the players who suffers the initial injury has an opportunity down the line to get healthy make a huge contribution.
The Crimson Tide starts practice on Tuesday in preparing for Clemson.
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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 @CoachingMSmith.
