South Alabama is down three starters on the defensive line after two season-ending knee injuries added to the injury list Thursday.
Dewayne Alford ruptured his Achilles in preseason workouts and coach Joey Jones said nose tackle Tre Alford and defensive end Jimmy Gipson are likely out for the season with knee injuries suffered in practice.
Defensive line depth was already a concern for Jones. That depth took another hit when Jones confirmed freshman defensive tackle Nick Fields was advised to give up football. Fields told the Dothan Eagle he has a heart-related issue.
Sophomore Sean Grayer and senior Randy Allen are the favorites to start at defensive end, but Finesse Middleton, a graduate transfer from Louisville, is likely to be in the mix.