Injuries sideline UA reserves

TUSCALOOSA | University of Alabama offensive lineman Cyrus Kouandjio will miss the remainder of the season due to a knee injury suffered during UA's 37-6 win over Tennessee Saturday, while linebacker Alex Watkins will miss two to three weeks with an arm injury.

"We had two injuries in the game," said UA coach Nick Saban. "Alex Watkins broke his arm so he's going to be out for a couple, three weeks probably. Cyrus got a pretty significant knee injury that is going to require surgery so he's probably going to be out for the remainder of the season."

Alabama is idle this week before playing host to LSU on Nov. 5.

Watkins had played a reserve role this season at Alabama's Jack linebacker position, behind starter Courtney Upshaw. Also a special teams performer, Watkins has made 13 tackles with a sack and a forced fumble while appearing in every game this season. Kouandjio had played at left tackle in support of starter Barrett Jones.

"Even though those two guys aren't starters, they're guys that have made a lot of contribution, especially to the depth of our team," Saban added.

Kouandjio, a true freshman, played in seven of eight games this season, including some extensive action in non-conference play. Without Kouandjio, Alfred McCullough and Tyler Love are two of Alabama's options as a backup to Jones at the left tackle position. McCullough, a fifth-year senior, is one of Alabama's more versatile offensive linemen and started at guard in place of the injured Anthony Steen against the Volunteers.

Steen sustained a concussion in UA's 52-7 win over Ole Miss.

Redshirt freshman Adrian Hubbard is among Alabama's options to replace Watkins as a backup to Upshaw.

Weekly honors

Linebacker Dont'a Hightower was named the Southeastern Conference Defensive Player of the Week for his performance against Tennessee. Hightower made seven tackles, recorded three quarterback hurries, two pass breakups, a sack and an interception against the Volunteers. The junior was also named the Lott IMPACT player of the week, making him a candidate for the award named for NFL Hall of Fame safety Ronnie Lott. Former UA linebacker Demeco Ryans won the award in 2005. ... Hightower was among seven players named for weekly honors by the UA coaching staff. Linebackers Courtney Upshaw and Nico Johnson were also chosen on defense, with receiver Marquis Maze and guard Alfred McCullough on offense. Top special teams performers were kicker Cade Foster and Hardie Buck.

Reach Chase Goodbread at chase.goodbread@tuscaloosanews.com or at 205-722-0196.