"Season-ending injury sidelines Alabama's standout LB Deontae Lawson (leg)"

Deontae Lawson, the junior linebacker and team captain for Alabama, will not be playing for the remainder of the season due to a lower leg injury, according to head coach Kalen DeBoer's announcement to reporters on Monday.

During his post-game comments following the Crimson Tide's 24-3 loss against Oklahoma on Saturday, DeBoer referred to the injury as a "lower extremity injury."

Lawson, who is highly regarded as a top prospect for the 2025 NFL Draft, sustained the injury during the second quarter and did not return to the game.

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DeBoer spoke highly of Lawson, stating, "He is an incredible leader. He was chosen as team captain by his teammates. Not only do we see his impact on the field, but our players also have a great love for him, especially those who have been with him for multiple years and have seen the effort he puts in. We all feel for him and appreciate everything he has done for us."

At 6-foot-2 and 239 pounds, Lawson is currently ranked second on the Crimson Tide with 76 tackles. He also has two sacks, 6.5 tackles for loss, one interception, four pass breakups, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery.

As a two-year starter, Lawson is responsible for communicating the coaches' calls on defense through the helmet radio. Justin Jefferson, who is Lawson's backup, will now take on that role.

Defensive coordinator Kane Wommack expressed his thoughts on the loss of Lawson, saying, "Losing a player like him is tough. He is a steady presence on the field and does an excellent job with communication through the green-dot. He is a leader for our team and a great communicator on the field. It's definitely a tough loss."

Alabama, who dropped from seventh to No. 13 in the latest AP Top 25 poll, will face their in-state rival Auburn on Saturday in Tuscaloosa for the annual Iron Bowl game, which will conclude their regular season.