Alabama's Malachi Moore, Jaylen Key Questionable After Injuries in Opener
TUSCALOOSA — The goal for the season opener, other than getting a win, is to come away with no injuries.
That usually doesn't happen. Alabama wasn't immune from staying injury free in the opener against Middle Tennessee on Saturday.
Defensive backs Jaylen Key and Malachi Moore exited the game and neither returned. Key, who had an interception in the second quarter, left the game not long after. Moore was banged up on a punt return early in the third quarter.
"I don't know the extent of their injuries, but we will see how that goes. They will be evaluated in the morning," Alabama coach Nick Saban said.
Kool-Aid McKinstry took a hard hit to the head on a punt return in the third quarter and did not return.
He was checked out inside the medical tent and said after the game he wasn't under a concussion protocol, and his not returning to action was a coaches decision. Alabama led 49-7 at that point.
Wide receiver Emmanuel Henderson was not dressed out and was on crutches for the game. The sophomore started his career at Alabama as a running back his freshman season before moving to wideout. He played in all 13 games at both wideout and on special teams last season, and caught one pass for 14 yards while contributing three tackles.
Defensive back DeVonta Smith was also not dressed out for the game. He was on the sideline in just a jersey and street clothes. Smith played 10 games last season as a backup.
Sophomore linebacker Jihaad Campbell did not dress for the game. Last year he earned time on special teams while also working at linebacker and finished with one tackle.
Starting left guard Tyler Booker entered the medical tent late in the first quarter after Alabama's second touchdown drive. He was in for just a few minutes and ran out to join the offensive line group on the sideline. Booker was on the field for the offense on Alabama's next possession.
