Low Expectations For Hightower

Although almost everyone expects the worst when word comes on the result of the MRI to be done on Alabama linebacker Dont'a Hightower's left knee today, we don't know for sure when that word will come.

Ordinarily, media would not have the opportunity to speak with Alabama Coach Nick Saban until noon Monday at his regular briefing. We have asked for information on Dont'a Hightower today if possible, but we don't know when or if that report will come.

Everything about the manner in which the injury was handled in Alabama's 35-7 win over Arkansas Saturday indicated that the damage was torn ACL, and perhaps more. Under most circumstances, that would be a season-ending injury.

'BAMA Magazine is going to have a feature story on Hightower in the November issue, which will be out in a few weeks. It is the nature magazine deadlines and of football injuries that occasionally a story appears in the magazine after a player has been lost for the year. That doesn't take away from the story of an excellent player.

As soon as we are notified of the Hightower situation, we will share that information with you.