Alabama entered its Week 4 non-conference game against Nick Saban‘s alma mater without a pair of wide receivers, including its leading pass-catcher. Now, it’s the Tide’s ground game that’s wounded.
On UA’s fifth play from scrimmage in the game against Kent State, Damien Harris took a helmet to his right knee and had to be helped off the field and into a medical tent. A short time later, he hopped to a cart with his injured leg heavily bandaged and was taken into the locker room for further evaluation.
A short time ago, the Tide’s radio network confirmed that Harris will not return to the game. The specific nature and severity of the injury are not yet known.
Harris entered Week 4 as the Tide’s leader in rushing yards (327) and yards per carry (9.1). At the time of his injury, Harris had four carries for 18 yards.
Joshua Jacobs has shouldered the running game load since Harris’ departure, at least from the running back position, as he leads the Tide with 75 yards and a pair of touchdowns on just six carries. Quarterback Jalen Hurts has chipped in 45 yards and a touchdown on the ground as ‘Bama currently leads 24-0 early in the second quarter.
UPDATED 3:39 p.m. ET: To the relief of many, Nick Saban stated after the 48-0 win Harris had sustained just a sprained ankle and is “day-to-day.”