The Alabama defense has been devastated by injuries so far this year, but it has been mostly limited to the linebacking corps.

However, two weeks ago, star DB Minkah Fitzpatrick also injured his hamstring — a severe blow to the Crimson Tide defense. He managed to play most of the rest of the game against LSU and also managed to suit up vs. Mississippi State last weekend.

Still, against Mercer on Saturday, Fitzpatrick will sit out to get some much-needed rest ahead of next weekend’s Iron Bowl:

Obviously, having Fitzpatrick ready to go against Auburn is the most important thing for the Crimson Tide, as they’ll need him to slow down the Tigers’ offense.

Injury concerns aside, the Tide should be just fine without the missing players against Mercer on Saturday afternoon.

It is a bit alarming that Fitzpatrick is still not feeling 100 percent, even after playing last weekend at Mississippi State.