Alabama’s star quarterback Tua Tagovailoa left in the third quarter against Missouri with a knee injury reminding everyone the only thing that can stop the Tide is an injury to the Heisman front-runner.
With Jalen Hurts stepping in as the quarterback, Alabama needs to be careful with how they proceed with Tua Tagovailoa considering their upcoming conference schedule.
Tagovailoa practiced all week with a slight knee sprain, but Nick Saban said it didn’t hinder him at all during the week. After having a slight limp all game, Tagovailoa went down in the third quarter after sliding and avoiding contact with a defender. Hurts entered with Alabama leading 30-10 and Tagovailoa was later diagnosed with what was described on the ESPN broadcast as a re-injury to his knee. He could have returned if not for the score and Crimson Tide fans were able to take a deep breath.
With a road date against Tennessee next week, and a bye week following that, it might be the right time to get Tagovailoa fully healthy and prepared for their big game against LSU on Nov. 3. The last thing Alabama can afford is for Tagovailoa to aggravate the injury again or make it even worse.
Hurts is the best option to close out this game for the Crimson Tide as they should be able to coast to the finish line. After all, he’s 33-2 as the starter and led the team to a pair of National Championship Games. Hurts can start and beat Tennessee, even an improved Vols team coming off a win over Auburn, and allow Tagovailoa to rest that knee.
Alabama can afford to sideline him for the next two weeks to ensure he is ready for the final five weeks of the college football season when championships will won and Playoff berths clinched. This is when the team will need his skill and leadership the most.
It is too early for Bama fans to worry about their Heisman contending quarterback, but with a historic season on the line, it is better to be safe even if Tagovailoa is considered healthy enough to play again. Alabama is the top team in the nation, and an extra game of Hurts in at quarterback will do nothing to change that.