Alabama will miss team captain and starting defensive tackle Tim Keenan III in their season opener against Florida State due to a high ankle sprain sustained during Tuesday’s practice.
Keenan underwent a tightrope surgical procedure on Wednesday and is expected to be sidelined for several games, though Alabama anticipates his return later this season.
The Crimson Tide’s schedule includes UL Monroe in Week 2, Wisconsin in Week 3, and a bye week before their SEC opener at Georgia on September 27.
Coach Kalen DeBoer noted on the SEC coaches teleconference that Keenan, dealing with a lower-body injury, was still under evaluation and unlikely to be fully ready for the game. As a fifth-year senior and two-year starter, Keenan is a key leader and anchor of Alabama’s defensive line, which is a team strength, having recorded 7.5 tackles for loss last season.
Redshirt freshman Jeremiah Beaman and true freshman London Simmons are expected to fill in. Additionally, offensive lineman Jaeden Roberts, a fifth-year senior with 21 starts over the past two seasons, remains questionable for the opener as he progresses through the NCAA concussion protocol with limited practice participation.
Alabama will also be without starting running back Jam Miller, who dislocated his collarbone in a scrimmage and is expected to miss multiple games but return for the Georgia matchup.
On3.com first reported Keenan’s surgery and expected absence.
