Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer said Monday the Crimson Tide would be without one of their top linebackers, Que Robinson, for the rest of the season after Robinson suffered an injury to his elbow in the 42-13 win Saturday at LSU.
In addition, DeBoer said reserve linebacker Keanu Koht is suspended indefinitely after not making the trip to LSU.
The loss of Robinson, a 6-5, 241-pound redshirt senior, is a significant blow to an Alabama defense that has allowed just one touchdown in its past two wins over LSU and Missouri. He's tied with Jihaad Campbell for the team lead in sacks (four) and second in tackles for loss (seven) and quarterback hurries (five).
"Just a special, special person in every way," DeBoer said of Robinson. "I hate to see a guy who pours so much into it going through what he's going through. The one thing, when I think about Que, it's not just what he does on the field, but pre-practice he's mentoring and doing things for other guys. He just cares so much about this team and cares so much about this place."
Redshirt freshman Qua Russaw will see his role increase at the outside linebacker position along with fellow redshirt freshman Yhonzae Pierre.
"As the season goes on, these are the defining moments, do players step up in the moment when they're needed?" Alabama defensive coordinator Kane Wommack said. "Ultimately, that will determine our success here in the back end of the season."