Nick Saban Provides Injury Update on Deontae Lawson, Terrence Ferguson

Both players left last week's Ole Miss game early with injuries.

TUSALOOSA, Ala. — Addressing reporters on Wednesday ahead of No. 12 Alabama football's matchup with Mississippi State, head coach Nick Saban gave updates on two of Alabama's injured players, linebacker Deontae Lawson and offensive lineman Terrence Ferguson II. 

"Both guys were unable to practice today," Saban said. "That would put them at a category of very questionable."

Lawson left last week's Ole Miss game with an ankle injury, and was considered "day-to-day" by Saban earlier in the week. Sophomore Jihaad Campbell replaced Lawson after his injury and played well, being selected as one of the staff's players of the week after the game. 

Ferguson received an upgrade in playing time Saturday against the Rebels after starting right guard Darrian Dalcourt suffered an injury in the first half, and later, Ferguson suffered an injury of his own. He exited the game before halftime and did not return. 

While Lawson has been one of the leaders of Alabama's defense so far this season, Saban has confidence in depth of the position group. 

"We played most of the game this last game with Jihaad [Campbell] playing, and Trezmen [Marshall] playing," Saban said on Monday "That’ll be the way that we go. Obviously the depth at that position is going to become critical for us if Deontae can’t go. And we’ll keep working with these guys and try to get them ready to go this week.” 

Kickoff between No. 12 Alabama and Mississippi State is set for 8 p.m. Saturday, and the game will be televised on ESPN.

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MSU Coach Zach Arnett on Alabama: 'They Don't Have a Weakness'