Alabama coach Nick Saban updated the status of several players during his Monday afternoon press conference, including three key linebackers.
Outside linebackers Terrell Lewis and Christian Miller haven’t played since the season-opening game against Florida State, and sophomore inside linebacker Mack Wilson was injured against LSU. Saban said none of the three have been medically cleared to fully participate in practice, but he also didn’t close the door on any of the three playing this week either.
“Terrell Lewis and Christian Miller are in the functional phase of rehab and not cleared medically to play,” Saban said. “Mack Wilson has not practiced yet and has not been medically cleared to play. Whatever is out there, I’m giving you the facts from here. I’m not saying that those guys are out for the game, and I’m not able to say whether they’ll be able to play in the game.”
It could be a long shot for any of them to play this week, but Saban’s statement indicates that all three are close to returning in the future.
Alabama started true freshman Dylan Moses at inside linebacker against Mercer, and the Baton Rouge, La., native responded with a game-high 11 tackles, including 10 solo stops, and four tackles for loss.
Fitzpatrick back
Saban also updated the statuses of junior defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick, kicker Andy Pappanastos and left guard Ross Pierschbacher.
“From an injury standpoint, Minkah will practice. Andy will be day-to-day. (Ross is) day-to-day, too. He’s not been medically cleared to practice yet. Maybe sometime later in the week he will. We just have to see how he does.”
Reach Aaron Suttles at aaron@tidesports.com or at 205-722-0229.
