Alabama starting defensive end LaBryan Ray, who underwent surgery Tuesday for an ankle/foot injury, could return later in the season, perhaps in time to play against LSU, AL.com reported.
Coach Nick Saban said Monday that Ray would be out for an “undetermined” period.
If Ray were to be ready for the Nov. 9 showdown against LSU that would mean he would miss five games, starting Saturday against visiting Southern Miss. The second-ranked Crimson Tide then play Ole Miss, at Texas A&M, Tennessee and Arkansas.
Ray, a junior and first-year starter, suffered the injury during Saturday’s win at South Carolina. He has nine tackles, including 1 1/2 for loss, and a sack this season.
True freshman Justin Eboigbe has been listed as Ray’s backup. He could become the second true freshman on the Alabama defensive front, joining nose guard DJ Dale.
