Alabama’s defense took a major hit heading into the final few plays of the regular edge rusher Que Robinson out for the rest of the season with a left arm injury.

Robinson was injured in the second half of the Victory no. 9 Alabama 42-13 beyond then-No. 14 LSU on Saturday night. Coach Kalen DeBoer confirmed the fifth-year senior’s injury is out Monday, but did not elaborate on its nature.

“Just a special person, special in every way,” DeBoer said. “You hate to see a guy who pours so much into him go through what he’s going through.

“The one thing when I think about Que is not just what he is on the field, but before practice, he’s being mentored, he’s doing things for other guys. He cares so much about the team. He cares so much about this place. That’s just something that stands out from what you see on game days.”

The win against LSU pushed the Crimson Tide more firmly into the playoffs and into Southeastern Conference contention. Alabama closes out the season with games against Mercer, Oklahoma and Auburn.

Robinson has 23 tackles this season and his four sacks are tied for the team lead. He also has five quarterback hurries with a fumble and a fumble recovery.

A key special teams contributor during his career, Robinson has played an increasingly important role on defense each season. He is one of four current Tide players who were members of the 2020 national championship team, although he did not see action.

Qua Russaw and Yhonzae Pierre could see more snaps, while linebacker Jihaad Campbell also played that position.

“These guys are excited for the challenge, with a next-man-up mentality,” Alabama defensive coordinator Kane Wommack said. “As the season goes on, these are the defining moments – are the players stepping up when they’re needed? And ultimately, that’s going to determine our success here at the end of the season.”

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