Overview
- LSU is expected to be without senior linebacker Whit Weeks for Saturday’s game, the team’s SEC availability report listed him as doubtful and CBS Sports reported Thursday that sources say he will not play.
- Weeks fractured his fibula on Sept. 26, had surgery soon after, and has missed four games while rehabbing before LSU’s bye week reduced the chance of a rushed return.
- Weeks serves as LSU’s team captain and 'green dot' defender who relays play calls through his helmet, so his absence removes a primary on-field communicator for the defense.
- Dahvon Keys has filled Weeks’ role in recent games and LSU’s defense has still allowed about 16 points per game, but coaches must adjust personnel and calls for handling Alabama’s offense.
- Alabama also listed multiple players as questionable, including EJ Crowell and Ryan Coleman-Williams, so availability questions on both sides will shape game plans and postseason projection scenarios.