Alabama is listed as a heavy favorite over UGA in the SEC Championship game. But that could change significantly based on the health status of the Crimson Tide’s star player, quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.

Tagovailoa was knocked out of the game with a leg injury in the third quarter of No. 1-ranked Alabama’s 24-0 win over Mississippi State on Saturday.

After the game, Alabama coach Nick Saban claimed that Tagovailoa, who is considered to be a frontrunner for the Heisman Trophy, could have returned to the Mississippi State game, if needed.

However, this isn’t the first time that Tagovailoa has been injured this season. Per BamaInsider.com, “Tagovailoa has been playing with a brace on his right knee since injuring it against Arkansas on Oct. 6. He was forced to leave the following two games against Missouri and Tennessee after taking big hits and missed a play during last week’s game against LSU after taking a shot to the groin.”

The left-handed quarterback has a gift for making big plays. However, he also exposes himself to big hits while trying to make those big plays. Tagovailoa, who completed 14 of 21 passes for 164 yards with a touchdown pass and interception on Saturday, was sacked four times by Mississippi State.

Alabama has two more games to play before the rematch with UGA in the SEC Championship game. The Crimson Tide is favored to beat the Bulldogs by nearly two touchdowns.

Tagovailoa is unlikely to play much – or at all – next week against The Citadel. Alabama closes out the regular season against archrival Auburn on Nov. 24.

If Tagovailoa’s injury from Saturday turns out to be more serious than originally thought, it could threaten Alabama’s chances to repeat as national champions.