Key Alabama defender has his status in doubt for Florida State, per Kalen DeBoer

Alabama is dealing with a few nagging injuries to key players heading into this weekend's season opener against Florida State.

Alabama is already down Jam Miller, and Jaeden Roberts's status has been up in the air due to a concussion. Now, a third starter is not expected to be a full-go as the Crimson Tide travels to Tallahassee, and this one is perhaps the most important of all.

According to Kalen DeBoer on Wednesday's SEC coaches teleconference, Alabama senior nose tackle - and recently named team captain - Tim Keenan III probably won't be a full-go against Florida State:

Keenan was not a player who had been mentioned on any injury updates from DeBoer up until this point, so in theory, this is a new issue that he is dealing with since DeBoer last spoke to the media on Monday.

DeBoer added that it was a "lower-body injury," but did not go into further detail on the call.

DeBoer gave an injury update on Monday, stating that Miller would be out, Roberts's status was up in the air, and that DT James Smith had returned to practice with no restrictions.

Tim Keenan being unavailable - or even limited - would be a big blow to Alabama's defense

Simply put, Tim Keenan is one of the most important players on Alabama's defense. Being without him - or even having him for significantly fewer snaps - is a major blow to the Tide defense.

He's a fifth-year senior who provides a steadying presence along the defensive line. Alabama has depth in most places, but if there's one spot defensively where depth is a legitimate question mark, it is on the interior of the defensive line.

Behind Keenan on the depth chart is redshirt freshman Jeremiah Beaman, who made significant strides last season and played well during bowl practices. But his having to start this season was not planned, though he was always going to play a significant role.

Behind Beaman, the depth is even thinner. Someone like JUCO transfer Steve Mboumoua could be in line for major snaps.

Kane Wommack could also choose to play a little bit smaller, moving James Smith over to Nose and rotating guys like LT Overton, Kelby Collins, Jordan Renaud, and Keon Keeley to DT as more proven options along the defensive line.

One of the biggest question marks for Alabama against Florida State is their ability to stop the run. Gus Malzahn and a running QB in Tommy Castellanos can make things problematic. That's especially true if Alabama's top run-stuffing defensive lineman is out.