MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — For the first time since October, Jaylen Waddle is dressed out for Alabama. The star receiver was ruled as a game-time decision for Alabama’s national championship matchup against Ohio State. After testing out his ankle earlier Monday night, Waddle was in full pads during Alabama’s warmup session.
Sunday, Nick Saban said the receiver’s availability would be determined after warmups. Monday night, Waddle led the slot receivers during drills, catching passing and running routes with the unit.
“I think the biggest challenge is can he sustain in the game,” Saban said Sunday. “And it’ll be a game-time decision as to whether he thinks he can play and go out there and do his job well enough to contribute to the team, and we won’t know that until we get out there after pregame warmup.”
Waddle fractured his ankle during the opening kickoff against Tennessee on Oct. 24. Before suffering the injury, he recorded 25 receptions for 557 yards and four touchdowns over four full games. The 5-foot-10, 182-pounder was Alabama’s starter at slot receiver and also returned punts and kickoffs. He has since been replaced by Slade Bolden at slot receiver while DeVonta Smith has handled punts and tight end Jahleel Billingsley has taken on the kick return role.
In other injury news defensive lineman LaBryan Ray (elbow) and defensive back Malachi Moore were both fully dressed and participating in drills. Sunday, Saban called Moore "very questionable" for the game as the freshman defensive back is still dealing with an undisclosed injury that caused him to sit out the Rose Bowl earlier this month. Saban said Ray is "a little bit more probable," stating the redshirt junior has practiced this week. Ray has missed five games this season due to an elbow injury.
Injured center Landon Dickerson (knee) was fully dressed and delivering snaps early during warmups. However, the Rimington Award winner did not take part in more extensive drills with the team later in the period. Dickerson underwent surgery on Dec. 28 and is not expected to play Monday night. Redshirt senior Chris Owens will start in his place.
Alabama (12-0) will take on Ohio State (7-0) at 7 p.m. CT inside of Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla.
