Bryce Young, other Alabama players absent from Tide's first scrimmage
Update: Saban said Bryce will be back at practice on Monday
Alabama was without its five-star freshman quarterback as it held its first scrimmage of fall camp Saturday. Following the scrimmage, Nick Saban said Bryce Young "didn't work today," stating the freshman is scheduled to return to the team Monday. Sources told BamaInsider that Young hasn't practiced with the team in recent days.
According to Saban, Young was one of several players missing from Saturday's workout. However, the head coach did not reveal the names of the absentees. Earlier this month, Saban said he will not divulge medical information out of respect to his players.
Update: Saban said Bryce will be back at practice on Monday
"We had some players who did not participate today, and hopefully we'll get those players back very soon," Saban said following the scrimmage. "And we're treating those players as if all players who can't practice are just like they're injured. That's the way we're approaching it. We're trying to do everything possible to keep our players safe."
Young, the No. 1 rated quarterback in this year’s class, joined the team in January as an early enrollee. He was set to compete for the starting role behind center this spring before camp was cancelled due to the pandemic. The freshman has received plenty of praise from both coaches and players for his performance so far in fall camp.
“With Bryce, I’ve really been impressed,” offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian said last week. “You know, it was hard for him not having spring practice but the guy definitely studies the game. He works at it. He’s got a great attention to detail. He has a really good feel for the game and although it’s only been two practices — which is not a lot.
“We haven’t even put on pads yet, you see the natural passer in him. You see the natural feel for the game. Now there’s a lot of little things we have to build on but I think you get a sense for us, at least an idea, of the type of player he’s going to be for us.”
Young earned Gatorade Football Player of the Year in California last year, completing 72.6 percent of his passes for 4,528 yards and 58 touchdowns with six interceptions while adding another 357 yards and 10 more scores on the ground. While Mac Jones is projected to be Alabama’s starter at quarterback, Young is expected to see plenty of time on the field this fall.
“He’s going to be a great quarterback,” senior receiver DeVonta Smith said. “With him not having a spring and just coming during the summer, he learns quick. I like what I’m seeing. He’s ready. Just the way that he approaches the game and handles himself, he’s going to be a great quarterback.”
Alabama head coach Nick Saban is set to address the media following the scrimmage.
This story will be updated.
