The University of Alabama is officially down two defensive starters for Saturday's game against Kentucky.

According to a report from ESPN's Chris Low, Alabama will not play Deontae Lawson and Jaylen Key. Both players suffered injuries in last week's victory over Louisiana State University. Lawson, a sophomore linebacker, hurt his ankle against the Tigers.

Alabama will be without two of its top defenders today against Kentucky. Linebacker Deontae Lawson (ankle) and defensive back Jaylen Key (quad) are both out for @AlabamaFTBL with injuries. Lawson is the Tide’s second leading tackler and Key their third leading tackler.

— Chris Low (@ClowESPN) November 11, 2023

He is a semifinalist for the Dick Butkus Award, which goes to the nation's top linebacker for high school, college, and professional football. Lawson, a native of Mobile, Ala., is second on the team for total tackles (52) and has 3.5 tackles for loss, two sacks, four quarterback hurries, and two pass breakups. He dealt with the same ankle injury earlier this season. Key, a transfer safety from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, sustained a quad injury against LSU. He stands at 46 total tackles, which is third on the defense. Key chimes in with a pass breakup and an interception in his first season with the Crimson Tide in the SEC.

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Jihaad Campbell, a sophomore, will replace Lawson at linebacker.

Campbell, a former five-star, has 42 tackles, three tackles for loss, two quarterback hurries, an interception, and a fumble returned for a touchdown. Kristian Story, a senior, is Key's backup at free safety. He has nine total tackles on the season.

Alabama may also go with playing Malachi Moore at free safety, Terrion Arnold at 'Star,' and Trey Amos at cornerback to make up for not having Key. We will see how Nick Saban plays it, but Lawson and Key are out for this matchup against Kentucky.

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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.