Kalen DeBoer and Alabama Crimson Tide lose key starter before Florida State showdown

Alabama will open its season without one of its most important players. Senior defensive tackle Tim Keenan III, a team captain and two-year starter, will miss Saturday’s game against Florida State after suffering a high ankle sprain in practice this week.

Tide’s defensive front takes a hit Keenan underwent a tightrope procedure on Wednesday and is expected to be sidelined for several games. The Crimson Tide believes he will return later in the season, but his absence leaves a major hole in the middle of a defensive line that was expected to be a strength.

Head coach Kalen DeBoer acknowledged earlier in the week that Keenan was unlikely to be available, calling the injury a setback for a leader who sets the tone inside. In his place, Alabama will turn to redshirt freshman Jeremiah Beaman and true freshman London Simmons.

Keenan finished last season with 7.5 tackles for loss, second most on the team. His veteran presence and ability to clog running lanes made him one of the most reliable pieces on defense.

Injuries piling up The Tide’s injury list doesn’t stop there. Offensive lineman Jaeden Roberts, another multi-year starter, remains in the concussion protocol and is questionable for the opener. Starting running back Jam Miller is also out after dislocating his collarbone during a recent scrimmage, though DeBoer has said he expects Miller back in time for the Georgia game in late September.

With a road showdown at Florida State on deck, Alabama now faces its first test of the season without two proven starters and a leader in the trenches. The timing is tough, and the spotlight on th
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