Alabama safety Hootie Jones

Alabama coach Nick Saban announced senior safety Hootie Jones will miss the Crimson Tide's semifinal game against No. 1 Clemson in the Allstate Sugar Bowl on Jan. 1.

Saban made the announcement in an appearance on ESPN.

Jones suffered a partially-torn ligament in his knee in Alabama's loss to Auburn, BamaOnLine has learned, and was seen on crutches with an apparent knee injury after the 26-14 loss. He was loaded into an ambulance just outside the visiting team's locker room.

Prior to his injury, Jones registered six tackles against the Tigers. On the season he ranks fourth on the team with 53 tackles and recorded two interceptions. Replacing Jones at safety in the Tide's nickel and dime packages will likely be Deionte Thompson.

Outside of Jones, Saban said "the rest of our team will be relatively healthy for this game," which should include the team's three hobbled linebackers in Christian Miller (biceps), Terrell Lewis (elbow) and Mack Wilson (foot). All three played at Auburn.

Alabama and Clemson will face off on Monday, Jan. 1, at 7:45 p.m. CT on ESPN.

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