Alabama dealt major injury blow ahead of SEC Championship Game vs. Georgia

Alabama has been pretty banged up late in the season, and that continues heading into the SEC Championship Game against Georgia.

A new name appeared on the Crimson Tide's initial availability report for this weekend's matchup, with star defensive lineman LT Overton officially listed as out three days before the game.

There was no initial word on the injury issue for Overton. He played in last weekend's Iron Bowl and didn't appear to be dinged throughout the game. Whatever it is it is serious enough for him to be ruled out for this game well in advance.

LT Overton will not play in Georgia rematch

Overton was a massive piece of the puzzle for the Crimson Tide against Georgia in Athens earlier in the season. He finished with six tackles, a tackle for loss, half a sack, and came up with the critical fourth-down stop of Georgia RB Cash Jones in the fourth quarter in the redzone that helped preserve Alabama's 24-21.

Overton has enjoyed a strong senior season with four sacks. He has played and started all 12 of the Tide's games up to this point.

Who steps up with Overton out?

Alabama's official depth chart lists Jordan Renaud and Keon Keeley as Overton's backups. Those two will likely split time. Florida transfer Kelby Collins is another guy who could see some playing time at Bandit, and brings a little bit more big game experience than either Renaud or Keeley.

Alabama has talented players who can step in for Overton, but this is still a significant loss heading into a massive game.

It doesn't feel quite as do-or-die with Alabama jumping to No. 9 in the College Football Playoff rankings on Tuesday night. But a win would still clinch the Tide's spot in the playoff, and potentially give this team a much-needed bye in the first round, where they can work on getting healthy.

Alabama's availability report on Wednesday night included 11 names to only six for Georgia. Kalen DeBoer's team is significantly more banged up. Without Overton, the task of beating the Bulldogs for the second time this season just got that much more difficult.