Pete Thamel: Bryce Young game-time decision vs Texas A&M, ready for Tennessee next weekend

While it’s a long shot, Alabama could still have Bryce Young start on Saturday against Texas A&M, according to ESPN’s Pete Thamel.

During an appearance on College GameDay early Saturday morning, Thamel revealed the reigning Heisman Trophy winner is a game-time decision against the Aggies, but he should be ready to rock against Tennessee next weekend.

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“It’s going to be a day of game-time decisions, and none of them loom larger than Bryce Young,” began Thamel. “What we know about him right now is that he is going to be a game-time decision today. He has practiced only lightly so far this week. Look for Bryce Young this afternoon to go through his first rigorous throwing workout. How that workout goes is going to determine whether or not he plays for the Crimson Tide tonight.

“The best news for Alabama fans will be that if he does not play, he’s expected to be close to 100% for that big matchup at Tennessee next weekend.”

The Tennessee news will make Crimson Tide fans smile, even if the Texas A&M status won’t. Still, Alabama is in capable hands if Bryce Young is out against the Aggies, as backup quarterback Jalen Milroe proved he can get the job done in relief last weekend.

Nick Saban talks impact of Bryce Young injury, praises Jalen Milroe

Continuing, Alabama fans collectively held their breathes when star quarterback Bryce Young entered the medical tent with a shoulder injury last weekend. Still, the Crimson Tide pulled out the victory with their backup quarterback.

Young will be a game-time decision against Texas A&M Saturday night, which means head coach Nick Saban might be forced to start redshirt freshman Jalen Milroe in his place. Saban’s confidence in Milroe is at an all-time high after his stellar performance after the Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback’s injury.

“Bryce is a great player. There’s only one Bryce Young in this country, and he’s a great player. Jalen can do what Jalen does well, and we have confidence in him,” Saban said, following the Arkansas victory last Saturday. We have confidence in the development of Ty Simpson as his backup. But hopefully, will Bryce will be okay. But I thought the offense did a really good job of continuing to score points in a different way than when Bryce plays, and I think you’ve got to have that kind of diversity on your team. You’ve got to be able to win more than one way.”

Milroe would only complete 4-of-9 passes for 65 yards, but he threw for a touchdown and took. six carries for 91 yards and another score. While Young has proven his mobility in the past, his pocket presence and ability to push the ball downfield through the air is a completely different type of Alabama than what we saw last week with the small sample size we have of Milroe against the Razorbacks.

Star running back Jahmyr Gibbs rushed for over 200 yards in Young’s absence, and if Young is indeed sidelined, expect a heavy dose of Gibbs and Milroe option plays, and a heavy emphasis on the run game. The defense speaks for itself anchored by superstar linebacker Will Anderson.

While Young’s status is not confirmed as of this writing, Milroe has practiced this week as the presumed starting quarterback and is expected to perform as such with the lights on bright in Tuscaloosa.