Alabama wide receiver DeVonta Smith did not return to Monday’s College Football Playoff championship game after sustaining a hand injury in the third quarter.
The 2020 Heisman Trophy winner appeared to jam his fingers during a collision that occurred as he tried to haul in a pass over the middle. He spent more than 15 minutes in the medical tent before heading to the locker room with a towel over his hand. He later returned to the sideline with his hand bandaged.
Smith put together a legendary stat line against Ohio State before exiting, securing 12 catches for 215 yards and three touchdowns.
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Smith is projected to go in the top 10 of the 2021 NFL Draft. His Alabama teammate Jaylen Waddle could join him in the first round. Waddle is playing through an ankle injury and has limped after being thrown to on several occasions.
Alabama did not need Smith to return; the team led by 21 points as he headed to the locker room and then added a touchdown early in the fourth quarter to expand the margin to 28.