Oct 21, 2017; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Mack Wilson (30) returns an interception that he made late in the fourth quarter against Tennessee Volunteers at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Photo Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports
Alabama linebacker Shaun Dion Hamilton will miss the rest of the season with a broken right kneecap, but another linebacker, Mack Wilson, might have a chance to return, coach Nick Saban said Monday.
Both players were injured Saturday in a 24-10 victory over LSU. They underwent surgery Sunday.
Hamilton’s season ends early for the second consecutive season. He suffered a torn ACL in his right knee during the 2016 SEC Championship Game. The senior was tied for second on the team in tackles this season with 40, including 5.5 for loss and 2.5 sacks.
“Shaun Dion had a successful surgery and this is something he’ll be able to respond to in a few months and hopefully be able to come back and have an opportunity to do some things to extend his career,” Saban said at his weekly press conference.
Wilson, who suffered a foot injury, has 21 tackles and three interceptions. He is expected to be out four to six weeks, Saban said. That would put him on a potential track to return for the College Football Playoff. The unbeaten Tide was No. 2 in the initial rankings last week.
“We’ll just have to play it by ear and see how fast it heals,” Saban said.
Alabama has been playing without linebackers Christian Miller (torn biceps) and Terrell Lewis (torn elbow ligament) since the season-opener. Saban said on a radio appearance last week that both are “doing extremely well” and left the door open for a return this season — again, more likely in a playoff scenario.
True freshman linebacker Dylan Moses is one of the players who will see increased playing time. He has seven tackles, including 1.5 sacks.
“Yes, he will have to step up,” Saban said. “Dylan’s made a lot of progress throughout the season and I think he has a lot better understanding of what to do and how to do it.”
Alabama (9-0, 6-0 SEC) plays at Mississippi State (7-2, 3-2) on Saturday. The Bulldogs were 16th in the initial CFP rankings.
