Without its starting center, Alabama’s football team will take on the best pass rushing defense in college football. Due to an injury, Darrian Dalcourt will initially miss Arkansas’ game on Saturday.
In a radio interview prior to the game, Nick Saban stated that Dalcourt was experiencing back spasms. Starting in Dalcourt’s place is Seth McLaughlin. JoJo Earle was on the first drive with the offense. He sustained a foot injury in August and has yet to play in 2022.
At Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium on Saturday, No. 19 Arkansas (3-1, 1-1) will take on No. 2 Alabama (4-0, 1-0 SEC).
Although Dalcourt was wearing a uniform and had joined the group for warm-ups, he remained to the side as the offensive line practiced. He held his helmet while observing.
This season, Dalcourt has started every game as center for the Crimson Tide. He also started for Alabama for the majority of the 2021 campaign, but injuries forced him to miss some time toward the end of the year. Last year, Dalcourt made 11 starts despite missing games against New Mexico State, Georgia, and Cincinnati. In his place, McLaughlin performed admirably, particularly in Alabama’s victory over the Bulldogs in the SEC Championship Game.
Earle, meantime, has been an offensive and special teams puzzle piece that has been missing. Prior to getting hurt, according to Saban, he was expected to start as the punt returner. As a return specialist, Earle was selected for the freshman All-SEC coaches team.
He has a history of unfortunate injuries. He had to miss time in 2021 due to a leg ailment, then at the beginning of 2022, he sustained a foot injury.
Earle hauled in 12 catches for 148 yards as a rookie. He also gained 88 yards in total from 15 punt returns.
