Alabama defensive lineman Joanthan Allen injures shoulder

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- Late in the second quarter of Alabama's 34-0 win over Louisiana Monroe on Saturday, Crimson Tide defensive lineman Jonathan Allen had to be helped off the field and into the locker room.

Allen suffered a shoulder injury and did not return to the game. He came back to the sideline in the second half in street clothes with his left arm in a sling.

"Jonathan Allen has a shoulder that every now and again gives him a problem," Tide coach Nick Saban said. "We think he'll be OK and be able to practice and play in this game (versus Georgia)."

Allen didn't have any tackles, but registered a quarterback hurry during his limited time on the field. Saban listed Allen as day-to-day going forward.

"He has hurt this before and had the same problem before," Saban said. "He's been able to come back from it pretty quickly."

Griffith's perfect on the day

After missing his first four field goals this season, Tide kicker Adam Griffith has rebounded in a strong way. Griffith has now made his last three field goals, including two on Saturday (one last week versus Ole Miss).

"We have a lot of confidence in Griffith, I have always said that," Saban said. "I think that getting his plant foot right is something that he is now doing and has confidence in. So hopefully he will be able to build on the success that he had today and continue to do a nice job for us in the future."

In the third quarter, Griffith connected on a 40-yard attempt which drew the loudest cheer of the day from those in the stands at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Griffith doubled down in the fourth with a 35-yard field goal to make him 3-for-7 on the year.

"We have a lot of confidence in him that he is capable," Saban said. "I think he just has to think the right things and focus on the technique that he needs to use to have success and when he does that he is a very good kicker."

Ridley starts

With Robert Foster out for an extended period of time with a shoulder injury, freshman receiver Calvin Ridley made the first start of his Alabama career on Saturday.

Saban said Ridley is "playing well" for the Tide. He had a team-high four catches for 38 yards and a touchdown. His first career score came on a 15-yard pass from Tide quarterback Jake Coker in the second quarter.

Harris finding a role

When Alabama took the field for its opening kickoff return on Saturday, there was a change.

While ArDarius Stewart was still back deep, running back Kenyan Drake was replaced by freshman running back Damien Harris.

"He's done a good job back there and has been back there working all year long," Saban said. "He's very instinctive back there."

Saban said Drake "got popped" on a return and was "hurt a little bit" last week against Ole Miss.

Harris didn't get a chance to field any kicks as Stewart took the first one. The Warhawks didn't kickoff again.

"We're looking for a role for the guy and some things he can do because we think he's an effective player," Saban said. "We plan on using him as the kickoff returner and Kenyan the backup."

Game captains

Defensive lineman Dalvin Tomlinson, tight end O.J. Howard and outside linebacker Denzel Devall were the Crimson Tide's captains versus Louisiana Monroe.

Tomlinson, a junior, is one of the Tide's best defensive lineman when it comes to knocking down balls at the line of scrimmage. Tomlinson had five total tackles and one pass breakup.

Heading into Saturday's game, Howard was leading the Tide in receiving yards. He finished the game with two catches for eight yards.

Devall, a senior, is a second-year starter for the Tide at outside linebacker. Devall had two total tackles including one sack.

Contact Anniston Star Sports Writer Marq Burnett at mburnett@annistonstar.com. On Twitter:@Marq_Burnett.

This story was originally published September 26, 2015 at 10:50 PM with the headline "Alabama defensive lineman Joanthan Allen injures shoulder ."