Alabama's secondary took a hit after the team sent sophomore defensive back Tony Brown home for an unspecified violation.
"We have made an internal decision to send Tony Brown home due to a violation of team rules," Alabama coach Nick Saban said in a statement, via USA Today.
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Brown has not been a starter this season, but he was a solid backup and often played on special teams. He was a 2014 five-star recruit from Texas.
Alabama will take its second shot at reaching the College Football Playoff Championship Game when it takes on Michigan State in Thursday's Cotton Bowl.