BamaOnLine.com - Notebook: Jones, Upchurch, Square sustain injuries

September 12, 2009

Christopher Walsh
BamaOnLine.com Senior Writer

TUSCALOOSA _ After playing through numerous injuries last year, University of Alabama sophomore wide receiver Julio Jones sustained a bruised knee early on during the 40-14 victory over Florida International on Saturday night and did not return.

He spent the rest of the first half icing the injury on the bench, and had on a supportive sleeve on during the second half.

Jones, who had a sports hernia to go with wrist and shoulder injuries in 2008, had one catch for nine yards, but sustained the injury while running an end-around for 5 yards.

"We'll do every test we can do to make sure he's ok," Coach Nick Saban said. "I don't know what the prognosis is for when he can come back, but we'll probably know that tomorrow."

The coach wasn't as optimistic about two other players.

Senior running back Roy Upchurch, who was making his first start after playing in 27 games with the Crimson Tide, sustained a sprained left ankle in the first quarter and did not return after heading to the locker room. He had four carries for 17 yards.

Upchurch started in place of sophomore Mark Ingram, who had the flu earlier in the week and didn't enter the game until there was 4:34 remaining in the first quarter along with sophomore wide receiver Marquis Maze (leg). Ingram finished with 10 carries for 56 yards.

Redshirt freshman defensive end Damion Square sustained what Saban said appeared to be a "major" knee injury that will likely require surgery. He was helped off the field in the fourth quarter and had to ride a cart to the locker room. Square was credited with a tackle, ½ a tackle for a loss and a quarterback hurry.

Cody lobbying for time
Senior nose guard Terrence Cody has been sitting next to Saban on the team bus and using the opportunity to lobby for more playing time in passing situations.

"According to him, he would not fit in that seat last year," Saban said. "But he's doing a little begging while he's there too. He's really nice to me."

Cody is at 354 pounds and the coaching staff has told him they'll keep him on the field more on third downs if he can get down to 349. Saturday he was on the field a little more when it was obvious FIU was going to throw and he finished with three tackles, 2½ for a loss.

"I think (it's working), a little bit," Cody said of the lobbying.

Starters and first-timers
Sophomore safety Robby Green made his first career start.

Players who saw their first collegiate action included Michael Bowman, Kerry Murphy, Chance Warmack, Nico Johnson and Dre Kirkpatrick.

After the starters were pulled, walk-on Thomas Darrah came in at quarterback before rerdshirt freshman Star Jackson, who took the final snap.

Senior defensive end Brandon Deaderick, who was shot last week and missed significant practice time this week following the death of his grandmother, did not play.

"He could have played, but didn't practice," Saban said.

Tide-bits
Alabama unveiled a new sound system, pregame introduction and painted end zones.

With two field goals, senior kicker Leigh Tiffin tied his father Van (1983-86) for third on Alabama's career field goals list with 59. Philip Doyle holds the Tide career record with 78 (1987-90), while Mike Proctor is second (65, 1992-95).

Sophomore linebacker Jerrell Harris was not on the dress list after being declared ineligible last week pending a decision from the NCAA regarding his status.

Saban is 12-2 in home openers, including a nine-game winning streak.

Alabama has 10 Florida natives on the roster including Javier Arenas, Cody, P.J. Fitzgerald, Jackson, Marquis Johnson, Colin Peek, Trent Richardson, Chris Rogers, Ed Stinson and Upchurch.

Mike Johnson, Greg McElroy and Dont'a Hightower were team captains.

FEATURED PRODUCT