Injury Forces Alabama S Malachi Moore to Sit Out ReliaQuest Bowl

Alabama All-American safety Malachi Moore will undergo an operation and miss the ReliaQuest Bowl against Michigan on December 31st in Tampa, Florida.

Crimson Tide coach Kalen DeBoer did not disclose the type of surgery, but indicated that Moore has been playing through it for most of the season.

"He has been dealing with an injury for a large portion of the season, and it has reached a point where he is unable to play," DeBoer told reporters after Wednesday's practice. "He wanted to do everything he could to be out there. He was trying to wait it out to see if he could possibly participate."

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Moore recorded 70 tackles, two interceptions, and two forced fumbles this season.

The Crimson Tide are facing a shortage of players at the safety position, with Keon Sabb also out for the season due to injury and DeVonta Smith's decision to transfer to Notre Dame.

"It will be a combination of players," DeBoer said. "Moore's decision to have surgery just happened, so we haven't had much time to think and plan for this. But we will have some young players stepping up."

In his five seasons at Alabama, Moore has accumulated 214 tackles and seven interceptions.