INDIANAPOLIS — Alabama star wide receiver Jameson Williams, a Biletnikoff Award finalist, suffered a knee injury on Monday night in the 33-18 loss to No. 3 Georgia in the College Football Playoff National Championship. Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban confirmed the knee injury in his post-game press conference, but admitted the extent of the injury is still unknown pending MRI results.
The injury occurred early in the second quarter. Williams, who transferred to Alabama after two seasons at Ohio State, broke free over the middle of the field on a 40-yard reception. He attempted to cut as a Georgia defender closed in before reaching down for his right knee as he fell to the turf of Lucas Oil Stadium. Williams walked out to the Alabama sideline under his own power in the third quarter to support his teammates. Saban said Williams wanted to reenter the game but trainers would not allow it.
A projected first-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, Williams may face a difficult decision this offseason if his injury is deemed significant. CBS Sports draft expert Ryan Wilson has Williams projected to go No. 18 overall to the New Orleans Saints in his latest mock draft, but it stands to reason that his stock would fall sharply if his diagnosis was such that he would not be cleared to play next season.
Williams enjoyed a breakout season for the Tide in 2021 after leaving the Buckeyes, catching 75 passes for 1,507 yards with 15 touchdowns.
