DeVonta Smith surgery update: The Heisman Trophy winner had two hand surgeries. DeVonta Smith, the Heisman Trophy winner, damaged his hand in the National Championship game, and Dr. Jesse Morse explains what happened. He also says how the injury will affect DeVonta's career.
Former Alabama wide receiver DeVonta Smith dislocated and tore ligaments in his finger during the team's national title game victory over Ohio State.... The injury occurred when Smith attempted to catch a pass with just under 10 minutes left in the fourth quarter.
He will be sidelined for the remainder of the season.
Smith was considered one of the top receivers in college football before the injury. He finished the year with 33 catches for 462 yards and five touchdowns.
The Crimson Tide won their third straight championship with Smith catching two passes for 39 yards including an 11-yard touchdown reception in the fourth quarter of the game.
After the game, Smith tweeted "Gonna need a real arm from now on" and included a photo of his injured right hand.
It is unclear who will replace Smith at receiver next season. The only options are junior ArDarius Stewart or true freshman Calvin Ridley. Both players had productive seasons this past year but neither can be expected to take over as a starter immediately. Alabama will likely look to either recruit another player to join the team or fill the hole left by Smith with someone else next season.
The one thing to remember about Alabama WR DeVonta Smith versus Ohio State after his outstanding first half in the national championship game was his fractured finger. Smith had 215 yards and three touchdowns in the first half before being injured in the third. Smith anticipates a complete recovery from his injuries.
Smith's status for the BCS title game is unclear but he is expected to be ready for the start of Alabama's season. The injury occurred when Smith tried to make a catch and was hit by defensive back Bradley Roby.
After the game, Smith tweeted: "Broken fingernail will get fixed right away...finger ok."
Coach Nick Saban said after the game that he believed the injury was serious enough for Smith to miss some time this season. "I think it's probably a fracture," Saban said. "He has a splint on it now so we'll see how that goes."
It's possible that Smith could play this season if he recovers in time but most likely he will miss at least the first few games of the year. The Crimson Tide have plenty of talent at wide receiver with T.J. Yeldon leading the way this season and follow up performances from Henry Ruggs III and ArDarius Stewart. Without Smith, this team might not be able to do as well but still has enough weapons around him to be successful.
DeVonta Smith of Alabama did not return to Monday's College Football Playoff final game after suffering a hand injury in the third quarter. During a collision while attempting to bring in a ball over the middle, the 2020 Heisman Trophy winner seemed to jam his fingers. He stayed in the game for one more snap before being taken off the field on a stretcher.
Smith was able to wave off assistance from teammates as he was carried off the field at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The sophomore had 975 yards and 14 touchdowns this season. His absence will be felt by the Crimson Tide as they look to defend their national title.
Coach Nick Saban said after the game that he didn't know the extent of Smith's injury but added that he expects him to make a full recovery. "I think it's just a little bit of pain going into the next phase of his career," Saban said. "Hopefully he'll be back soon."
The playoff semifinal between Clemson and Alabama was decided on a last-second touchdown pass from Trevor Lawrence to receiver Tee Higgins with 1 second remaining in the fourth quarter. It was Alabama's first trip to the championship game since 2015 when Jameis Winston led the team against Clemson. The Crimson Tide lost that game 21-0.
This is the second time in three years that an All-American has missed the championship game due to injury.
Alabama wide receiver DeVonta Smith sets records in the first half before suffering a hand injury in the second half of the national championship. On Monday night, Alabama wide receiver DeVonta Smith was not cursed with a Heisman Trophy. Instead, he made history by breaking several receiving records in the Crimson Tide's 38-7 victory over Notre Dame.
The junior set school records for most receptions in a game (23), most receiving yards in a game (297) and tied Bobby Mitchell for most touchdowns scored by a receiver (3). He also became the third player in FBS history to reach 100 receptions in a season. The only other players to do so are Julio Jones (2011) and Alshon Jeffery (2013).
In addition to his career stats, Smith broke three more records in his first year as a starter: Most receptions in a season by a player who did not start as a freshman (102), most receiving yards by a player who did not start as a freshman (1,409) and most touchdowns scored by a player who did not start as a freshman (17).
He missed the final five games of the regular season with a broken bone in his hand but returned for the SEC Championship Game where he had four catches for 67 yards and two scores. In the College Football Playoff National Championship, he had three catches for 39 yards.
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