TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — No. 3 Alabama linebacker Dont'a Hightower will miss the remainder of the season.

Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban said Monday that the surgery to repair a damaged ligament in Hightower's left knee will require 3-4 months of recovery time.

The Tide did get timely news on the status of another linebacker. Sophomore Jerrell Harris will return from an NCAA suspension for the Oct. 17 game with South Carolina.

Harris was battling for a starting job in fall camp and was a backup at two spots.

Saban said Tide players can't waste time worrying about the loss of Hightower. He said they have to respond to the new situation and rise to the challenge.