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TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Alabama received a bit of positive news Wednesday as head coach Nick Saban said he expects starting right guard Lester Cotton to be available for Saturday’s game against Colorado State.
Cotton suffered an injury late in the third quarter of last week’s game against Fresno State and was replaced by Joshua Casher. Following the game, Saban said the sophomore “got dinged a little” but did not elaborate on the injury.
Cotton missed Monday’s practice before rejoining the team Tuesday. During Wednesday’s viewing period, he appeared to be limited and was not seen working with the rest of the unit during individual or team drills. However, when asked Wednesday about the status of his starting offensive lineman, Saban said Cotton should be good to go.
“Well he practiced today,” Saban said. “He practiced yesterday, he practiced today. Most of the time when guys practice, they are able to play. We have every thought that he will play in the game.”
Starting right tackle Matt Womack was moved to right guard during practice this week in Cotton’s absence, while true freshman Jedrick Wills took most of the snaps at right tackle on Alabama’s first-team unit.
Wednesday, Joshua Casher took reps at right guard with the first team during individual drills. Alabama then reverted back to using Womack at right guard and Wills at right tackle during team drills. Redshirt freshman Scott Lashley also got a rep at right tackle with the first-team unit during the viewing period.
Saban was also asked about the status of running back Josh Jacobs, who has been practicing with the team this week after dealing with a hamstring injury that saw him miss both of Alabama’s preseason scrimmages as well as the Tide’s opening two games. Jacobs has been wearing a hamstring-support apparatus but appears to be moving well during drills.
While Saban acknowledged the sophomore had returned to practice, he said he was unsure if he would play Saturday.
