Alabama cornerback leaves South Carolina game with injury but returns in second half

Alabama football lost a starting defender to an injury in the first half against South Carolina.

Domani Jackson left the game with an injury in the second quarter after making a tackle to force third down. But then he returned to the game in the second half.

The starting cornerback had to be helped to the sideline by the training staff. After he spent some time in the medical tent, the training staff brought him to the locker room on a golf cart with about 10 minutes before halftime.

Jaylen Mbakwe, a freshman, replaced Jackson at cornerback on the third-down play. The Crimson Tide also gave some time to DaShawn Jones, a Wake Forest transfer who brings some experience. Zay Mincey also got some snaps with Jackson out. Mincey was the closest cornerback in coverage when South Carolina threw a 36-yard touchdown pass in the first half on fourth down.

Jackson is the veteran of the cornerback group that is filled with youngsters. He transferred to the Crimson Tide ahead of the 2024 season after playing for Southern Cal for two seasons.

Nick Kelly is an Alabama beat writer for AL.com and the Alabama Media Group. Follow him on X and Instagram.