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Kalen DeBoer Confirms LB Deontae Lawson's Injury Status Before Auburn Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nazario Pangallo | Last updated Nov 25, 2024 2:53 PM ET

During the second quarter of Alabama's embarrassing loss to Oklahoma, linebacker Deontae Lawson went down with an injury and did not return to the game.

On Monday, head coach Kalen DeBoer confirmed the extent of his injury, and it's certainly an update Alabama fans didn't want to hear.

“We’ll lose him for the season with a season-ending injury,” Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer said. “Just an amazing leader, chosen team captain by the team. I can see not just what he means to us on the field but just the love that our players have for him, especially those that have been through multiple years.

“Seeing what he pours into it, I know we all feel for him. We appreciate everything he’s been doing. Obviously, you greatly miss what he does on the football field, but love having that guy in the locker room leading your team. So thinking about him.”

Lawson is now the fourth player that Alabama has lost for the season, joining wide receiver Cole Adams, safety Keon Sabb and outside linebacker Que Robinson on the list.

Defensive coordinator Kane Wommack turned to Justin Jefferson during Saturday night's contest as both the replacement at inside linebacker and as the green dot player who receives the play calls from Wommack.

“Justin Jefferson stepped up in the second half and really did a good job of going in and playing the Stinger, the weakside position for us,” Wommack said. “We’ve got some young guys that I think are trending in the right direction right now with Jeremiah Alexander and Justin Okoronkwo, Cayden Jones.

“Those guys are doing a nice job to where they’re obviously going to have to continue that, and this week is going to be really important. But like everybody, you’re going to have some of these injuries that you have to deal with, and it’s got to be a next man-up mentality.”

Those players will all have a chance Saturday afternoon to close out the regular season with a victory as Alabama welcomes Auburn to Bryant-Denny Stadium for the 89th edition of the Iron Bowl.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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