Alabama starting LG Javion Cohen suffers wrist injury
Alabama’s offensive line is set for even more of a shakeup. Sources have told BamaInsider that starting offensive line Javion Cohen suffered a wrist injury and will miss Saturday’s game against New Mexico State.
Cohen, a sophomore, has started all nine games at left guard this season. He has a 60.1 pass-blocking grade as well as a 58.9 run-blocking grade, according to Pro Football Focus. Alabama is expected to go with redshirt junior Tommy Brown at the left guard position for Saturday's game. Brown has appeared in seven games this season, working at both guard positions.
Alabama could also be without starting center Darrion Dalcourt, who Nick Saban said is still day-to-day with a lateral ankle sprain he suffered during last weekend’s game against LSU.
“He dressed out today, didn’t really do a whole lot,” Saban said of Dalcourt on Wednesday. “If he can do some things tomorrow then maybe he can play in the game, but we’ll have to just wait and see.”
Dalcourt left last week's game following Alabama's first possession. He was replaced by Chris Owens, who slid over from right tackle as Damieon George filled out the unit. Alabama’s offensive line struggled after the switch, surrendering four sacks while failing to provide much push in the running game as the Tide managed just 6 yards on the ground. Owens recorded a season-worst 41.8 offensive grade from PFF.
“I do think we have competition at the position,” Saban said during Wednesday’s SEC teleconference. “Chris [Owens] has played there before, but we also have some young guys that have played the position that have done very well. We want to evaluate and see what gives us the best chance to be successful in the game, and we’ll do that throughout the week.”
If Dalcourt is unavailable, Alabama’s most likely option outside of Owens is Seth McLaughlin. The sophomore has made 23 offensive snaps at center over five appearances this season but did not play during last week’s game against LSU.
“Seth would be the next guy up,” Saban said. “He’s made a lot of improvement, plays really well. He’s really smart. He’s tough, he’s competitive, and he plays with the intangibles we’re looking for at that position."
No. 2 Alabama will host New Mexico State on Saturday at 11 a.m. inside of Bryant-Denny Stadium. The game will be televised on SEC Network.
