Saban provides updates on five injured players
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TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Reinforcements could be on the way for an Alabama team hit hard by injuries early this season. Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban gave updates on five injured players Monday, stating Alabama could see a couple of players return this week depending on how things unfold during practice.
Saban said offensive lineman Lester Cotton and linebacker Dylan Moses will both be held out of practice Monday but said neither injury is serious and both players should return to practice soon. The head coach also gave updates on injured linebackers Rashaan Evans and Anfernee Jennings as well as injured running back Josh Jacobs.
“Josh Jacobs worked some in practice last week, he’ll work more in practice this week,” Saban said. “We probably won’t know until Wednesday how (Evans and Jennings) will progress. If they have a chance to do some things in practice, there could be a chance that they could play in the game. I think it’s too early to tell. Both are making good progress in their rehab, so we’ll have to wait and see.”
Jacobs is dealing with a hamstring injury that has seen him miss a good portion of preseason camp as well as both of the Tide’s two games this season. In recent weeks, Saban has stated he doesn’t want to rush the sophomore and risk furthering his injury. True freshman Najee Harris led Alabama running backs in rushing with 70 yards on 13 carries, while Bo Scarbrough had 36 yards on six carries and Damien Harris had 32 yards and a touchdown on six carries.
Evans suffered a groin injury during Alabama’s season opener against Florida State. The senior was replaced by Keith Holcombe last week, as Holcombe finished the game with seven tackles and a pass breakup. Still, Evans’ versatility was missed as the Tide failed to deliver much of a pass rush, recording just one sack against Fresno State.
The 6-foot-3, 234-pound linebacker has the ability to play both inside and outside and is the Tide’s highest returner in sacks with four last season.
Jennings sprained his ankle during the opener and underwent a successful surgery last week. The 6-foot-3, 262-pound linebacker started in the nickel formation against Florida State and was replaced by former walk-on Jamey Mosley in Week 2. Mosley finished with two tackles.
Cotton left the game in the third quarter last week and was replaced by Joshua Casher at right guard. Following the game, Saban said Cotton was “dinged” and the injury was nothing serious. Moses tallied two tackles last week against Fresno State.
Alabama will play Colorado State on Saturday at 6 p.m. CT inside of Bryant-Denny Stadium.