Saban gives updates on two injured linebackers
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Alabama head coach Nick Saban offered some positive news Wednesday on the status of two injured linebackers. While stating that the team didn’t have any new injury information in terms of this week’s game against Mercer, the head coach did leave the door open for a possible return for both Terrell Lewis and Christian Miler.
“Terrell Lewis and Christian Miller are in what they call the functional phase of rehab, but not really medically cleared to play,” Saban said. “So as they go through this continued work on the field and so forth, at some point in time I guess they will get medically cleared. But as I’ve always said before, that’s a medical decision that our medical staff will make when the time comes when they feel like they will they’re able to get back out there and maybe be able to play.”
Miller (torn biceps) and Lewis (torn ligaments in elbow) both suffered what were at the time thought to be season-ending injuries during the season opener against Florida State on Sept. 2. However, during his weekly radio show two weeks ago, Saban said both injuries required “a two-and-a-half to three-month sort of healing-time” and that the two players could be in a position to return this season.
One thing Saban brought up two weeks ago was that both Lewis and Miller would have to forfeit a potential medical redshirt if they were to return this season. Lewis is a sophomore this year, while Miller is a redshirt junior.
“I think you also have to take into consideration, which I would meet with their families, as both guys would be able to have a medical redshirt this year,” Saban said. “So, from a career standpoint, the players should always have input as to whether he thinks that’s beneficial to his future or is not, for them to come back and play in one or two games down the road.”
No. 1 Alabama (10-0, 7-0 in the SEC) will host FCS opponent Mercer (5-5) on Saturday at 11 a.m. CT for the last game inside of Bryant-Denny Stadium this season. The game will be televised on SEC Network.