Saban gives update on how long Alabama will be without injured guard
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Alabama suffered another blow on the injury front over the weekend as starting left guard Ross Pierschbacher exited Saturday's game in the first quarter and was unable to return after suffering a high-ankle sprain. Monday, head coach Nick Saban gave a further update on the redshirt junior's status moving forward.
“Ross will be out for sure for this game then probably a medical decision after that as to where he is,” Saban said.
Pierschbacher made his way to the locker room during the first quarter of Alabama’s 31-24 win over Mississippi State on Saturday. He was able to return to the sideline but did not re-enter the game. Pierschbacher was replaced at left guard by senior J.C. Hassenauer.
“J.C. did a nice job in the game,” Saban said. “We have always rotated guys a little bit in the offensive line. J.C. also has to be the backup center, so he has to do sort of dual duty regardless of what his circumstances are relative to playing guard.
"We certainly need to continue to develop depth and make the kind of changes up front that we might need to make so that we have that kind of depth if something else happens to the offensive line or if we have an opportunity to play other players at different positions because that may be something we have to do down the road.”
Alabama’s offensive line struggled to provide protection against the Bulldogs, allowing a season-worst five sacks on the night. The Crimson Tide was able to establish its running game in the second half and finished with 202 yards on the ground.
Saban also said defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick will be "day-to-day" this week. Fitzpatrick injured his hamstring against LSU but played Saturday against Mississippi State, tallying six tackles, a pass breakup and a quarterback hurry.
Alabama will host Mercer on Saturday at 11 a.m. CT on SEC Network for what will be its last game at Bryant-Denny Stadium this season. After that, the Crimson Tide will wrap up its regular season with a trip to Auburn on Nov. 25. The winner of that game will clinch the SEC West and earn a spot in the SEC Championship Game against Georgia the following week.