Alabama linebacker Terrell Lewis sidelined by ACL tear

Alabama junior outside linebacker Terrell Lewis, shown here during the spring, tore his ACL while training last week.
Alabama junior outside linebacker Terrell Lewis, shown here during the spring, tore his ACL while training last week.

The injury-riddled career of Alabama's Terrell Lewis continues, with the junior outside linebacker uncertain of playing this season.

Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban announced the latest setback Tuesday.

"Terrell Lewis suffered a torn right ACL last week while training," Saban said in a released statement. "He underwent successful surgery today, and a time frame for his return is unknown at this time."

Lewis posted on Twitter later Tuesday, thanking friends and fans for their support.

"God has something for me on the other side that is greater than what I can see right now," Lewis said, "so please don't feel sorry me and my situation. I'm a warrior. What God has in store for me can't be denied.

"Thank you to all!"

Lewis tore an elbow ligament in last season's 24-7 opening win over Florida State in Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium. He returned for the Iron Bowl and was not overly effective in the 26-14 loss to Auburn, but he helped the Crimson Tide dominate Clemson 24-6 in a national semifinal at the Sugar Bowl.

In the national championship game against Georgia, Lewis sacked quarterback Jake Fromm in overtime on a third-and-6 at Alabama's 21-yard line. His sack resulted in a 13-yard loss to the 34, which ended Georgia's chances at a touchdown and resulted in a 51-yard field goal by Rodrigo Blankenship that provided the Bulldogs a brief 23-20 advantage.

Christian Miller, Anfernee Jennings and Dylan Moses are returning linebackers who also missed time last season, and Lewis admitted his excitement for the upcoming season during a news conference this spring.

"We're athletic, and we're a long group, so we can do a lot of stuff," Lewis said. "We just have to get that experience on the field. A lot of us didn't get enough time last year to get a feel for the game. Christian and I sat out a lot, but we saw from the outside what we can improve on.

"We'll have a lot of guys who can do it, and we'll have a lot of guys looking forward to doing it. I know I haven't scratched the surface yet. The best is yet to come."

Tuesday's announcement comes on the heels of Monday's dismissal of reserve inside linebacker VanDarius Cowan, who recently was charged with third-degree assault.

Contact David Paschall at dpaschall@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6524.

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