TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Alabama defensive lineman Justin Eboigbe is likely out for the season with a neck injury.
Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban said Wednesday that Eboigbe has undergone surgery. The 6-foot-5, 292-pound senior played in the first four games but not since then.
“He had a procedure done that would enhance his opportunity to be able to play in the future, but I don’t think that’s going to come this season,” Saban said.
Eboigbe made 11 tackles and had two quarterback hurries in the first four games. Saban had announced his injury after Alabama beat Arkansas on Oct. 1 without giving a timetable for Eboigbe’s return.
He has played in 42 games over the past three-plus seasons, recording 59 tackles.
No. 6 Alabama (7-1, 4-1 Southeastern Conference) is off this week before visiting No. 18 LSU (6-2, 4-1) in a pivotal SEC West game on Nov. 5.
The Tide played against Mississippi State without two other injured defensive linemen: DJ Dale and Jaheim Oatis.
Bulldogs safety out
ATHENS, Ga. — Georgia safety Dan Jackson is facing foot surgery that could end his season and will force him to miss the World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party.
Coach Kirby Smart said Tuesday night that Jackson, tied for sixth on the team in tackles, won’t be available when the top-ranked Bulldogs (7-0, 4-0) face SEC East rival Florida (4-3, 1-3) on Saturday afternoon in Jacksonville.
Jackson, a 6-1, 190-pound junior, has 16 tackles with one interception and a forced fumble. Smart said he didn’t know when Jackson will have the surgery.
Jackson opened the season playing with Christopher Smith as the starting safeties in the Bulldogs’ base defense. Freshman Malaki Starks has since taken the starting role and Jackson has played as the third safety in passing situations. Smart said Georgia will have to find a replacement for Jackson in that dime package.
“With our depth at defensive back, David Daniel-Sisavanh is a guy that will step up and play,” Smith said, adding defensive backs Javon Bullard, Tykee Smith and JaCorey Thomas also regularly practice at safety.
“So it’ll be done by committee with all those guys,” Smart said after Tuesday’s practice.
Jackson began his career as a walk-on and carved a role on special teams before earning a spot in the secondary.
AP file photo by Butch Dill / Georgia defensive back Dan Jackson (47) won’t be available Saturday as the Bulldogs take on SEC East rival Florida.