Eddie Jackson will miss the remainder of the 2016 season after fracturing his leg on Saturday against Texas A&M, Alabama coach Nick Saban announced after the game. Jackson, a star safety and returner who had three touchdowns on the season (one pick six, two punt returns), was carted off during the second half of Alabama's 33-14 win.
Saban: "I'm sick for (Eddie) and his family. It's unfortunate when it happens to a great guy and a very, very good player."
— Cecil Hurt (@CecilHurt) October 22, 2016
Jackson was a star in the back end of the Alabama defense from his safety spot with 21 tackles, two pass breakups and one interception. His impact for Alabama's special teams was just as important as he averaged 25.78 yards per punt return with two touchdowns in that role. Even for a team as loaded as Alabama, the loss of Jackson will hurt as he's a dynamic playmaker on defense and special teams.
Hootie Jones figures to step into the starting role at safety for the Tide, while Saban will probably pick a new returner from a trio of players that have brought punts back behind Jackson this season. Xavian Marks has the most punt returns behind Jackson with five for 105 yards, including a touchdown return.
Jackson was an All-SEC first-team selection last season and recently got named to the CBS Sports 2016 Midseason All-America team.
