Nick Saban offers Wednesday injury updates on Tyler Booker, Jaheim Oatis
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Alabama head coach Nick Saban provided updates on a pair of injured starters, Tyler Booker and Jaheim Oatis, after Wednesday’s practice of Ole Miss week.
“Tyler Booker is practicing, and so is Jaheim Oatis,” Saban said. “They haven’t had issues. That doesn’t mean they’re still not day-to-day in terms of coming back and getting over injuries, but they are practicing.”
In last week’s game at South Florida, Booker was dressed out, went through pregame warmups and was even one of the Crimson Tide’s three team captains for the coin toss but didn’t see the field at Raymond James Stadium. After the 17-3 win, Saban said Booker was dealing with back spasms, and Alabama went with Terrence Ferguson as the starting left guard.
On Monday, Booker was asked how he’s feeling in an appearance on The Next Round.
“Yessir, a lot better,” Booker said. “The training staff thought it would be best I sit out this game and really heal up rather than going in the game and possibly making it worse.”
Oatis was not in uniform for the road game at USF. He was seen walking around the field prior to the contest with a walking boot on his left foot. Following the game, Saban said Oats had an ankle injury, but he “should be OK.” During practice this week, based on the photos and video shared by UA Athletics, the defensive lineman has participated to some degree.
When Oatis was out of the lineup against the Bulls, senior Tim Smith got the start alongside Tim Keenan and Justin Eboigbe, and he finished second on the defense with nine tackles.
Wide receiver Kendrick Law also missed Saturday’s game in Tampa due to an illness, but based on the photos UA Athletics provided, the sophomore has returned to practice this week.
Alabama will be back on the practice field Thursday, Sept. 21, as it continues its preparation for a top-15 matchup with Ole Miss on Saturday, Sept. 23. Kickoff is at 2:30 p.m. CT (CBS).
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