Alabama defensive lineman Tim Keenan III is scheduled to bear tightrope surgical procedure to deal with a excessive ankle sprain he sustained in follow, in keeping with a number of reviews. The expectation is that Keenan will miss a number of video games however return sooner or later this season, per ESPN’s Chris Low. Crimson Tide coach Kalen DeBoer stated on Wednesday’s SEC coaches name that Keenan will “in all probability not” be a full go for the Week 1 opener in opposition to Florida State however didn’t reveal the severity of the harm.
Keenan enters the 2025 season as one of many premier defensive linemen in college football. He will probably be a third-year starter this fall and rides momentum into the marketing campaign after a profession yr through which he logged 40 tackles, eight tackles for loss and a couple of.5 sacks.
“We’re getting loads of it form of found out,” DeBoer said. “After training, truthfully, gathered data. Did somewhat within the second I am in proper now simply making an attempt to grasp precisely the place it is at. So our employees is unbelievable. They’ve executed some fairly spectacular issues on getting guys again and so ready for the replace on that. I do not know if I may even offer you a share and be assured on that. We’ll see, however it’s a lower-body harm.”
Accidents have already stacked up at Alabama previous to the season opener. Beginning working again Jam Miller is on the shelf with a collarbone harm and is anticipated to be out till the SEC opener in opposition to Georgia on Sept. 27. DeBoer additionally stated on Wednesday’s name that offensive lineman Jaeden Roberts, the projected starter at proper guard, is questionable for Saturday as he progresses by way of concussion protocol.
James Smith initiatives as the highest defensive deal with in Keenan’s absence and can probably make his first profession begin consequently. He performed in all 13 video games final season and was a productive understudy to Keenan together with his 20 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss and a sack. Redshirt freshman Jeremiah Beaman and third-year backup Edric Hill might additionally see an uptick in taking part in time.
Alabama is considerably of a tightrope surgical procedure pioneer and has been aggressive in using it to assist its student-athletes recuperate extra shortly from ankle sprains. Staff physician Norman Waldrop is one of the leaders in tightrope surgery, which makes use of a versatile implant moderately than screws to carry the bones collectively within the ankle, thus permitting for extra regular movement and faster restoration occasions.
Quite a few distinguished Alabama gamers underwent tightrope surgical procedure all through its increase. Outland Trophy-winning lineman Cam Robinson in 2014 was the primary Crimson Tide participant to have the process, and star quarterbacks Jalen Hurts and Tua Tagovailoa adopted. The surgical procedure usually allowed for returns to motion in lower than a month.
