Amari Cooper Injury: Updates on Alabama Star's Leg and Return

Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver Amari Cooper exited the team's matchup with Western Carolina after suffering a leg injury in the first quarter.

The injury was reported by Rivals.com:

Cecil Hurt of the Tuscaloosa News provides an update on Cooper's diagnosis from Nick Saban:

As CBSSports.com's Dennis Dodd notes, Cooper returned to the sideline but didn't reenter the game:

Marc Torrence of Bleacher Report has more on Cooper staying on the sideline:

Cooper has been sensational this season for the Crimson Tide after seeing his numbers take a dip during his sophomore season. In 2013, he had just 45 receptions for 736 yards and four touchdowns. He's eclipsed each of those totals already this season, with 87 receptions for 1,303 yards and 11 touchdowns.

Heading into the 2014 season, coach Nick Saban referenced how lethal Cooper can be, via Andrew Gribble of AL.com:

"

The guy’s really an explosive guy. He’s got great speed, he’s got really good hands, he’s got good size. He can catch the ball vertically down the field. He’s difficult to cover coming out of a break. 

He’s good against press (coverage), so he’s a pretty hard guy to stop unless you put two guys on him.

"

Much of those struggles as a sophomore were due to a foot injury, but he has been explosive this year. Earlier this season, Cooper was hampered with another injury, which wasn't ruled a serious ailment.

That agility and explosiveness returned this season, as Cooper already set a school record against Tennessee, per ESPN Stats & Info:

Along with his talent on the field in college, he's also considered a coveted player by NFL teams. Matt Miller of Bleacher Report noted just how high he might go in the NFL draft when he decides to leave Alabama:

When he's 100 percent, the junior is easily one of the top receivers in college football. However, his draft stock could potentially take a hit due to questions about his ability to remain healthy.

If he is forced to miss any time, it will be up to DeAndrew White and Christion Jones to fill the void. Both have playmaking ability but are far from the weapon that Cooper is on offense.

In a tough SEC West that isn't forgiving of any team, not having Cooper on the field would be a critical blow to the Tide's national title aspirations.

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