Alabama injury updates: ABC broadcast provides latest on Justin Jefferson, Zabien Brown

Alabama is up against the wall in an SEC Championship Game against Georgia, trailing by 21 as injuries continue to mount. Linebacker Justin Jefferson and others have been banged up during the game.

ABC sideline reporter Holly Rowe chimed in with an update. She did so midway through the third quarter.

“Well guys, injury issues starting to creep up for Alabama,” Rowe reported on the air. “Linebacker Justin Jefferson, who’s tied as the leading tackler on this team, he can return with a lower leg injury, haven’t seen him in there yet.”

However, Justin Jefferson wasn’t the only injured player on defense for Alabama. The unit also lost a top cornerback.

“This is really big news,” Rowe said. “Zabien Brown, their corner who was so good in the Iron Bowl last week, he is out and unlikely to return. Remember Cam Calhoun was out the first half because of targeting last week, let’s see if he comes in now.”

Justin Jefferson joins Jam Miller on sideline

Top running back Jam Miller being sidelined was one of the biggest storylines entering Saturday’s SEC Championship between Alabama and Georgia. The Crimson Tide running back was dealing with a leg injury that kept him out of the contest, but he isn’t the only one.

Backup running back Kevin Riley is also out, meaning Alabama has had to rely on a host of other players to fill in the void. Speaking with ESPN’s Holly Rowe in the pregame, Crimson Tide coach Kalen DeBoer revealed how he expects those other players to step up.

“They’re actually a little bit different, all of them,” he said. “So they’ll get their opportunities and I’m excited to go ahead and see them play.”

If Alabama manages to make the College Football Playoff, getting players like Justin Jefferson and Jam Miller back will be key. The final rankings reveal will be on Sunday starting at noon.

On3’s Chandler Vessels also contributed to this report.