Iron Bowl injury update: Friday availability report updated ahead of Alabama-Auburn rivalry

The Alabama Crimson Tide are preparing to head down to take on the Auburn Tigers in the 90th edition in the Iron Bowl. Pride is always on the line in this one, but there’s more than that for both sides too. The Crimson Tide are battling for a spot in the College Football Playoff this season. Meanwhile, Auburn is trying to get to bowl eligibility with an upset win.

Alabama is now No. 10 in the latest CFP selection committee rankings. That’s a precarious spot to be in after suffering their second loss on November 15th to Oklahoma. After all, three losses a season ago was too much to overcome to make the CFP. At the same time, with just one conference loss, Alabama is still in the SEC Championship race. It’s been a longer season for Auburn, now on interim head coach DJ Durkin. Still, playing spoiler to Alabama and making a bowl would help soften the blow of that tough season.

As always, ahead of this SEC battle, both teams released their availability reports, highlighting several injuries. This is the third report released this week.

No. 10 Alabama Crimson Tide (9-2, 6-1)

• DB Kameron Howard – Out
• LB Jah-Marien Latham – Out
• DB Dre Kirkpatrick Jr. – Out
• RB Kevin Riley – Out
• LB Abduall Sanders Jr. – Out
• TE Josh Cuevas – Out
• TE Danny Lewis Jr. – Out
• DL Jeremiah Beaman – Out
• WR Germie Bernard – Probable
• LB QB Reese – Probable
• OL Parker Brailsford – Probable

Auburn Tigers (5-6, 1-6)

• CB Champ Anthony – Out
• WR Horatio Fields – Out
• LB Demarcus Riddick – Out
• WR Sam Turner – Out
• OL Connor Lew – Out
• S Sylvester Smith – Out (1st half)

Alabama had several players to rule out immediately this week. That included multiple linebackers and multiple defensive backs. Against an Auburn offense that has talent but has struggled to find consistency at the quarterback position, that could be an issue.

More of the major questions for Alabama are going to come on the offensive side of the ball. On Wednesday, Germie Bernard, a star wide receiver, and Parker Brailsford, a key offensive lineman, were both listed as probable to play. That’s a good sign, but they’re both worth keeping an eye on as the week continues to progress.

Auburn, for its part, had five players initially ruled out, but nobody who was under questionable, probably, or doubtful. That’s a little more black and white in regards to who is available and who isn’t. Notably, defensive back Sylvester Smith is also going to miss the first half of the game.

Auburn is set to host the Iron Bowl this season. Kickoff is scheduled for Saturday, November 29th at 7:30 p.m. EST.

On3’s Dan Morrison contributed to this report.