NEW ORLEANS — A linebacker is sometimes referred to as the “quarterback” of the defense. Well, fourth-ranked Alabama will be without two of its defensive quarterbacks against No. 1 Clemson in the Sugar Bowl.

Alabama head coach Nick Saban reaffirmed during the Sugar Bowl press conference Sunday morning that starting middle linebacker Dylan Moses will not play in the College Football Playoff semifinal game on Monday night. The freshman injured his foot in practice during bowl preparations.

Saban also noted that senior middle linebacker Shaun Dion Hamilton — who sustained a broken patella earlier this season — won’t play, as well.

The absence of Moses and Hamilton is a big hit to Saban’s defense, he admitted.

“It’s two inside backers at the same position that are missing,” Saban said. “I think the challenge is those guys were both signal-callers in no-huddle type defenses. The signal-caller is very, very important to get the signal and get it communicated, help get the defense lined up.”

Moses played in 11 games this season, logging 30 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks and an interception. Dion Hamilton, meanwhile, recorded 40 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks in nine games.

With Moses and Dion Hamilton out, sophomore linebacker Mack Wilson will play a larger role in Alabama’s defense against Clemson and assume the signal-caller duties Saban spoke about.

Wilson has been bothered all season by a foot injury. The native of Montgomery, Ala., has 22 tackles and a team-high three interceptions in 10 games this season.

“Mack’s very capable, but he just doesn’t have a lot of experience doing it,” Saban said. “But I’m sure he’ll do a good job in the game.”

Alabama senior defensive back Hootie Jones is out for the game, as well, with a knee injury.

The Tide, however, will benefit from the availability of linebackers Christian Miller (biceps) and Terrell Lewis (elbow). Both suffered what were expected to be season-ending injuries in Alabama’s season opener versus Florida State, but returned to see brief action in the Crimson Tide’s last game against Auburn.

“Both of those guys are probably 100 percent now and have practiced enough to be effective in the game,” Saban said.

Saban said freshman defensive lineman LaBryan Ray, who broke his foot in a November practice, is available as well.

“He’s also in sort of the same situation that several of our players were for the Auburn game,” Saban said. “They were medically cleared to play, but they were limited in terms of the number of reps that they could get in practice, so their role in the game had to reflect that. And I think that’s where LaBryan Ray is. But we’re very pleased with him and he’s played very well for us, and I think he will be able to make a positive contribution in this game. I think we will get some plays out of him.”