ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 03: Shaun Dion Hamilton #20 of the Alabama Crimson Tide celebrates with teammates after an interception in the first quarter against the Florida Gators during the SEC Championship game at the Georgia Dome on December 3, 2016 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Alabama starting defender expected to miss remainder of season

Bad news for Alabama.

Alabama starting inside linebacker Shaun Dion Hamilton will reportedly miss the remainder of the 2017 season due to a knee injury, according to AL.com.

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Hamilton suffered a fracture in his right kneecap during Saturday's win over LSU and was expected to undergo surgery on Sunday.

The senior had previously experienced a torn ACL in the same knee last December. However, his most recent injury did not include any additional ligament damage beyond the fractured kneecap and Hamilton should be able to participate in the NFL Draft Combine in April, according to sources.

The starting inside linebacker was recently named a semifinalist for the Butkus Award, recording 40 tackles and 5.5 tackles for loss for the Tide this season.

Redshirt junior Keith Holcombe is expected to start in his absence.

Fellow inside linebacker Mack Wilson tweeted that he also underwent foot surgery on Sunday and is "probably out," for Alabama's next game against Mississippi State according to head coach Nick Saban.