Top Florida State defenders Ja'Bril Rawls and Chris Jones both went down with injuries in the first quarter against Alabama. Rawls, a defensive back, secured a key sack of Crimson Tide quarterback Keelon Russell, but then went into the locker room. Jones, a linebacker, went down with an injury on the field, but managed to walk off the field with the training staff.
Rawls is a key part of the Florida State secondary, adding a veteran presence that is needed in the room. The 2026 season has not been perfect for Rawls, but without the defensive back, Florida State would need to throw unproven players into the fight against Alabama.
Jones is one of many linebackers who currently need to take on a bigger role for the Seminoles, given the number of injuries. Losing Jones against the Crimson Tide would be a notable blow to a room that is already hurting.
Latest Ja'Bril Rawls, Chris Jones injury updates for Week 3
Update 5:57 p.m. ET: Rawls was taken into the locker room after his sack, and no update has been given on his current status.
Jones was able to walk off the field under his own power, and then briefly went into the training tent on the sideline. The linebacker returned to the field on the next drive and has been back in the thick of it for the Seminoles. Jones' return to play is huge for Florida State after suffering multiple injuries at linebacker ahead of the game.
Update 6:01 p.m. ET: Rawls was able to return to the field after entering the locker room and recorded a tackle on his second play back. Rawls will continue to be an important part of the defense against a strong Alabama offense.
Florida State needs a healthy roster to keep up the momentum against Alabama
The Seminoles have been putting together a great performance on offense against the Crimson Tide, and the defense has been equally impressive. Florida State appears to have avoided any major injuries to Jones and Rawls, and remaining healthy throughout the game is going to be key.
Alabama has struggled against the blitz throughout the first half of play, and Florida State is likely going to continue to lean into what has worked. Jones and Rawls have combined for eight tackles, a sack, and 2.5 tackles for loss against arguably one of the top teams on the schedule. The Seminoles will look to keep the momentum going throughout the rest of the game.
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