Vinnie Sunseri injury: Alabama starting safety out for season

Update: This is official now.

Sunseri hurt his left knee on kickoff coverage in the first quarter against the Razorbacks and did not return to the game. After the Crimson Tide’s win, head coach Nick Saban said the injury “could be serious” and praised Sunseri for his character and play on the field.

“Vinnie, from a character standpoint as a person, is one of the best guys I’ve ever had the opportunity to coach,” Saban said after Saturday’s game. “He’s a great person that tries to do everything right. He’s a hard worker. He sets a great example. He has really good leadership skills that affects other people in a positive way. The guy is just a great competitor.”

Sunseri, a 6-0, 210-pound junior, has 20 tackles in seven games this season, adding one tackle for loss, four pass breakups and a quarterback hurry. He’s picked off two passes and returned both for touchdowns. Last year, he finished the season with 54 tackles, six tackles for loss, three pass breakups, two interceptions, two quarterback hurries and 1.5 sacks.

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