Are Deontae Lawson, Jaylen Key playing today vs. Kentucky? Latest injury updates
By Josh Yourish
Last week, the Alabama Crimson Tide got arguably their biggest win of the season taking down then No. 13 LSU 42-28. The offense was the story in that game with Jalen Milroe rushing for 155 yards and four touchdowns, but the defense is the story today leading up to kickoff against the 6-3 Kentucky Wildcats.
Linebacker Deontae Lawson and defensive back Jaylen Key both missed practice this week. Lawson is dealing with an ankle injury and for Key, it is his quad.
On his weekly radio appearance, head coach Nick Saban was asked about the status of both players and said, “They haven’t been able to practice much this week, so very questionable for the game.”
Lawson is second on the team with 52 total tackles and has also added two sacks and two passes defended. Key is third, right behind Lawson on the stat sheet with 46 tackles, and has one interception which came against Middle Tennessee State back on September 2.
Kentucky is 92nd in total offense, but 33rd in yards per play averaging 6.4. Quarterback Devin Leary has led the Wildcats to 30.0 points per game which ranks 55th in the country. The Crimson Tide would certainly benefit from having two defensive stalwarts on the field today, but can likely get by without them. Alabama is favored by 10.5 points.
All signs point to Key and Lawson missing this game. Without much practice time during the week, it is unlikely that either would be able to make an appearance on the field on Saturday.
Lawson and Key injury status:
Lawson and Key are both “very questionable” vs. Kentucky (likely out)
