Saban provides injury updates on multiple players ahead of SEC title game
We are closing in on the 48-hour mark until the start of the SEC Championship Game between Alabama and Georgia. As that matchup draws closer, the anticipation is beginning to mount with many considering this a College Football Playoff game for the Crimson Tide.
On Thursday, Alabama coach Nick Saban addressed the media and provided a lot of insight on where his team stands going into Saturday. Included in that information were injury updates on several players, including multiple starters.
Here’s what Saban had to say about each of the five players:
RB Brian Robinson Jr.
What Saban said about Robinson: “We’re doing some things with him today in practice and see how he responds. It’s going to be day-to-day, so we’ll just have to see how it goes.”
What’s going on: Brian Robinson left the Auburn game this past Saturday with what Saban described earlier this week as a “lower-body pulled muscle.” With his injury, Alabama has been left with only one healthy scholarship running back in Trey Sanders.
Overall status: Day-to-day
OL Darrian Dalcourt
What Saban said about Dalcourt: “Pretty much the same situation B-Rob is in. He’s been able to practice on a limited basis and we’ll see what he can do today, how he responds to it and it’s going to be a day-to-day situation, as well.”
What’s going on: Darrian Dalcourt was back on the field and got the start against Auburn, but the ankle issues he’s had since the LSU game caused his play to decline. On Saturday, Alabama elected to move Dalcourt to the bench in favor of redshirt freshman Seth McLaughlin.
Overall status: Day-to-day
CB Jalyn Armour-Davis
What Saban said about Armour-Davis: “He’s been able to do just a limited amount of things. He doesn’t play a position where if he’s not full speed, he could be expected to play. But we’re still going to sort of look at him on a day-to-day basis, too, and see how he progresses. So we’ll just have to wait and see.”
What’s going on: Jalyn Armour-Davis was a surprise scratch from the Iron Bowl due to what Saban has called “a little hip injury.” Freshman cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry got the start opposite Josh Jobe against the Tigers and performed well.
Overall status: Day-to-day
WR JoJo Earle
What Saban said about Earle: “JoJo is making progress. I don’t think enough to be able to play in the game at this point, but probably will be back sometime shortly.”
What’s going on: JoJo Earle left the New Mexico State game early after being tackled awkwardly on a punt return. He’s dealing with a left leg injury. In his absence, Slade Bolden has become the primary punt returner and fellow freshman Jacorey Brooks has seen an uptick in playing time at wide receiver.
Overall status: Doubtful
TE/FB Robbie Ouzts
What Saban said about Ouzts: “Robbie Ouzts has a stress fracture in his foot, so he’s not going to be in the game.”
What’s going on: This one may come as a surprise to some. Ouzts hasn’t been a starter this season, but he’s certainly contributed by playing 75 snaps on offense as a tight end and fullback.
Overall status: Out
