Report: Anthony Steen has surgery

By
ALEX SCARBOROUGH via <a href="http://espn.go.com/video/sportscenter" title="SportCenter" class="espn_sc_byline">SPORTSCENTER </a>
December 16, 2013, 11:57 AM ET
2 min read

— -- TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- Anthony Steen's career at Alabama is likely over, as the offensive lineman is expected to miss the Allstate Sugar Bowl after having surgery to repair a torn labrum, according to CBSSports.com.

Steen, a guard, was the only senior starting on the Crimson Tide's offensive line this season as Alabama averaged 212 rushing yards per game. It also has guarded quarterback AJ McCarron to the tune of just 10 sacks, down from 23 last season.

"Anthony's played really, really well for us all year long," Tide coach Nick Saban said of Steen in mid-November. "He's been really consistent in his performance. I think that a lot of the players respect him.  

"Even though he may not be a rah-rah guy in a lot of ways, I do think he has a significant impact on that group, and he has been a good leader for us on this team."

Saban could elevate redshirt freshman Alphonse Taylor, who has appeared in eight games this season, or Chad Lindsay could move from center, where he's started three games. Kellen Williams, a senior backup at left guard, and true freshman Grant Hill, who played tackle this season but was signed out of high school as the top-rated guard in the country, also are possibilities.

No. 3 Alabama will face No. 11 Oklahoma in the Sugar Bowl on Jan. 2 in New Orleans.