Kalen DeBoer says Deontae Lawson 'trajectory is going up.' Alabama football LB injury update
The redshirt senior linebacker, who had an ACL injury against Oklahoma that ended his 2024 season and helped him decide to return to the Crimson Tide for a fifth year in 2025, was with the Alabama linebackers taking reps with a black brace on his right knee.
Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer said Lawson is not a full go, but that he is on that pace.
"His trajectory is going up," DeBoer said. "Deontae, his leadership is the thing that's really come out, so that is exciting. He's going to be limited. Just the number of reps, the volume, I guess is the best way to put it, in what he can take. As expected. That was going to be the plan, just with his timeline, from the beginning. It's great having him out there. I think he feels really good about being out there. Mentally and physically, I think he is in a really good spot. There's still progress to be made as we prepare for the first game."
At SEC media days earlier in July, Lawson said he was at a "9 out of 10" when describing his recovery path.
"I'm sure I won't take every rep, but they'll definitely monitor me and make sure I'm ready to go for August 30," Lawson said.
Lawson had 76 tackles, seven tackles-for-loss and two sacks in 2024, adding four pass deflections.
Alabama opens its 2025 season at Florida State on Aug. 30.
Colin Gay covers Alabama football for The Tuscaloosa News, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach him at cgay@gannett.com or follow him @_ColinGay on X, formerly known as Twitter.
This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: Latest on Alabama football linebacker Deontae Lawson injury
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