Mark Ingram out with flu, Star Jackson expected back today

TUSCALOOSA | University of Alabama running back Mark Ingram is out with the flu, but backup quarterback Star Jackson is expected to return to practice today after missing two days due to his own bout with the flu.

Ingram missed Tuesday’s practice due to the flu.

“Star’s probably better,” Saban said Wednesday. “Star will be back today.”

Saban indicated Alabama got a head start on treating Ingram for his flu symptoms.

“Star is Mark’s roommate, so as soon as one guy gets sick we start treating the other,” the coach said. “We’ve had a couple of other guys miss because of the flu, but we’ve got a few back.”

Saban expects both Ingram and Jackson to be available for Saturday’s game against Florida International.

“I think the guys that have the flu now will be fine at the game,” he said. “It usually takes them two to three days.

“I’m worried about somebody getting it on Friday, but I can’t predict that.”

Defensive end Brandon Deaderick, who played last week just five days after sustaining gunshot wounds in an apparent holdup attempt, is “going to miss a few days” due to a death in the family, Saban said Wednesday on the weekly Southeastern Conference media conference call.