Alabama faces worrisome fate with Bryce Young's shoulder inquiry

Tuscaloosa, Alabama - Entering one of the most prominent times of the college football season, the Alabama Crimson Tide now faces their biggest nightmare yet, with star quarterback Bryce Young sidelined with a shoulder injury for an unforeseeable amount of time.

Reigning Heisman trophy winner Bryce Young is currently rehabbing a sprained AC joint in his shoulder.
Reigning Heisman trophy winner Bryce Young is currently rehabbing a sprained AC joint in his shoulder.  © Wesley Hitt / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP

The junior exited Alabama's Week 5 win over Arkansas in the second quarter after taking a sack.

Young threw his helmet in frustration when he entered the medical tent before later heading to the locker room for further evaluation.

"He's got a little bit of a shoulder injury," said head coach Nick Saban during Monday's SEC teleconference. "It's not a long-term type of injury. He's gonna be day-to-day when he can get back to throwing. I can't tell you if that's gonna be today, tomorrow, or the next day."

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The reigning Heisman trophy winner is currently rehabbing a sprained AC joint in his shoulder after taking a hard sack by Arkansas' power linebacker Drew Sanders.

While Saban also revealed Young had sustained multiple shoulder injuries like this before, as an elite athlete, it's only a matter of time until the body pushes back against physical stress – causing players to remain sidelined longer than expected.

Who is Alabama without Bryce Young?

Jahmyr Gibbs (l) of the Alabama Crimson Tide scores a touchdown in the second half during a game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium.
Jahmyr Gibbs (l) of the Alabama Crimson Tide scores a touchdown in the second half during a game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium.  © Wesley Hitt / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP

Young's injury is an enormous loss for Alabama.

They are not only losing their starting quarterback, but also the key component responsible for their dominance on the offensive front.

Without Young, who has been the catalyst for their passing game, Alabama will now have to rely heavily on their running game.

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Running back Jahmyr Gibbs will be the highlight of Alabama's offense if Young misses multiple weeks at a time.

Gibbs has been outstanding this season, and during the Crimson Tide's last showing, he had two runs for over 70 yards that helped pave the way for Alabama's win over Arkansas.

Heading into Week 6's matchup against Texas A&M, Alabama is projected to easily win given the way things have been going for the Aggies lately.

However, after almost losing to the Texas Longhorns – a game Alabama was projected to win by a landslide – the SEC play on Saturday will be a huge test for the Crimson Tide, especially without Young.

Alabama's SEC conference play against Texas A&M will kick off on Saturday at 8:00 PM EST.

Cover photo: Wesley Hitt / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP

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