Marquis Maze Injury: Updates on Alabama WR's BCS Leg Injury

The Alabama Crimson Tide may have to play the rest of the BCS national championship game against LSU without any help from one of their most explosive players.

At the end of a long first-quarter punt return, speedy wide receiver Marquis Maze injured his hamstring shortly before running out of bounds. He would make his way to the locker room, and his return was deemed questionable during the telecast.

Maze eventually emerged and was able to get back out on the field, but he hasn't been able to contribute anything since he first left the game with his injury.

Maze was Alabama's leading receiver during the regular season, hauling in 56 receptions for 627 yards and a touchdown. He also returned 48 punts for 384 yards and 13 kicks for 342 yards.

Maze wasn't able to catch any passes before leaving the game.

Exactly how much (if anything) Maze is going to be able to contribute to this game remains to be seen, but this tweet from Bill Vilona of the Pensacola News Journal says it all:

It's a legit point. Maze is easily the most explosive wide receiver Alabama has at its disposal, so having to tough it out without him is a pretty big deal. In a game like this, one big play could be the difference between a win and a loss.

Case in point, it has been noted that Maze could have taken his punt return all the way if he hadn't pulled up lame near the end of it.

With the first half in the books, it's possible that Maze could be good to go by the time the second half rolls around. Stay tuned for more.

Update: Monday, Jan. 9 at 10:15 p.m. ET

Brent Musburger just made if official. Maze will not be returning to action in the BCS title game. Judging from the shots ESPN showed of Maze on the sideline, he knows it. He was in tears.

So just like that, Maze's Alabama career is in the books. The senior will have to get healthy and hope he finds a home in the NFL Draft in April.