Alabama's win over Georgia came at an unfortunate cost: junior Wolf LB Qua Russaw suffered a broken foot in the first quarter on Saturday night, knocking him out of the rest of the game. Russaw has since undergone surgery, and will be out for a while. Kalen DeBoer said it isn't season-ending, but there's not yet a timetable for his return.
The loss of Russaw was compounded by a practice injury during the week of Jah-Marien Latham, who will miss the rest of the season with a neck injury. Those two were Alabama's "co-starters" at Wolf LB coming into the season.
It's a position where Alabama had strong depth, but that depth will now be tested moving forward. With Russaw out, a lot will fall on redshirt sophomore Yhonzae Pierre, who is arguably the Crimson Tide's best pass rusher. Where he will have to step up is against the run by setting the edge and dropping back into coverage.
Freshman Justin Hill played 21 snaps against the Bulldogs and will see an increased role moving forward. The coaching staff has been high on Hill since he arrived on campus, and he seemed to hold up well during his playing time. Redshirt freshman Noah Carter could also see some playing time, too.
Alabama could also get creative to fill the gaps at Wolf, too, according to Wommack. Last year, Jihaad Campbell rotated between the Mike LB spot and the Wolf, seeing plenty of time on the edge. Moving forward, Deontae Lawson could fill that hybrid role.
Alabama could deploy Deontae Lawson more off the edge with Russaw out
Deontae Lawson is getting more and more comfortable as he continues working his way back from last year's devastating knee injury. He's playing less timidly, and now his role could grow in the coming weeks with Russaw out.
Alabama is comfortable with Justin Jefferson at Nikhai Hill-Green at inside linebacker, which could allow Lawson to slide more outside. Lawson has the strength and quickness to make a difference off the edge rushing the passer, and he should hold up well setting the edge in the run game. Alabama was gashed by Georgia by runs that bounced to the outside, something that has to get cleaned up quickly.
“We’re gonna have to be creative in the way that we develop other people in certain packages to make sure that we have enough depth,” Wommack said.
"We're doing some things with him (Lawson) that we did with Jihaad Campbell a year ago. He's generating some pass rush."
Lawson's versatility could be key moving forward, as he can eat up some snaps in certain situations. Pierre will start with Hill in relief, but being able to turn to a veteran like Lawson to play multiple spots is a luxury most teams don't have.