Florida State redshirt sophomore quarterback Deondre Francois left the No. 3 Seminoles’ loss against No. 1 Alabama in the fourth quarter with a lower-body injury. The Tallahassee Democrat reported Sunday that Francois has “a season-ending patella tendon injury in his left knee” and could have surgery as soon as Tuesday. On Monday, FSU head coach Jimbo Fisher confirmed the report of the injury.

Fisher confirms that Deondre Francois tore his patella tendon, will have surgery tomorrow. James Blackman is QB1. — Tomahawk Nation (@Tomahawknation) September 4, 2017

4-7 month recovery for Francois is what Fisher was told. — Tomahawk Nation (@Tomahawknation) September 4, 2017

Because the injury occurred in the first game, Francois is in line for a medical redshirt, though another NCAA rule casts doubt on whether he’d be able to get an extra season.

Francois was brought hard to the ground by Alabama safety Ronnie Harrison, who sacked him for a loss of six yards. Harrison rolled up on Francois’ leg from behind him, replays showed. Francois walked off the field with the help of FSU medical staff, and he went into a treatment tent on the FSU sideline. He later walked with the aid of crutches to a medical cart, with a large brace on his left leg.

When Francois exited, Alabama had a 24-7 lead and the game well in hand. The Tide would go on to win by the same score. James Blackman made a brief appearances in relief of Francois while the final moments ticked off the clock. FSU coach Jimbo Fisher didn’t comment on Francois’ injury in detail after the game.

Francois was 19 of 33 passing for 210 yards, a touchdown, and two interceptions before he left the game. He was fine, though he wasn’t great against America’s best defense.

Francois’ absence is a huge problem for Florida State. The Noles did not beat Alabama, but they remain a favorite in the ACC, and Francois is one of their most critical players. His loss could be devastating.

Here’s what to know about FSU’s new QB: