Two Defensive Starters Out for Spring Practice
Nick Saban addressed the media for the first time Monday afternoon and gave an update on players who will be sidelined this spring.
Linebackers Dallas Turner and Deontae Lawson are out for the entirety of spring practice after undergoing surgery for their respective injuries.
After losing Will Anderson, Henry To'oTo'o, and Jaylen Moody, this is a notable loss for a rather young, inexperienced linebacker group. Georgia transfer Trezmen Marshall has collegiate experience, but is yet to dress out in crimson and white.
Turner blitzed on to the scene during his freshman season in 2021, replacing the injured Chris Allen and Drew Sanders at outside linebacker. In two seasons, Turner has recorded 67 tackles, 12.5 sacks, 18 tackles for loss, and recovered a fumble for a touchdown.
After redshirting in his freshman year, Lawson switched in-and-out with senior Jaylen Moddy alongside To'oTo'o. Lawson recorded 51 tackles and 2.5 tackles for loss in a breakthrough redshirt freshman campaign.
Alongside Turner and Lawson, a few other Alabama players are dealing with injuries at the start of spring practice.
Senior running back Roydell Williams and junior defensive back DeVonta Smith are currently held out from practicing, but are expected to return to action before A-Day on April 22.
Saban also mentioned three other players that are limited in practice: defensive linemen Justin Eboigbe, Jah- Marien Latham, and tight end Robbie Ouzts. Eboigbe was sidelined for the entirety of the 2022-2023 season after suffering a severe neck injury.