Another year, but yet another disappointing setback for Alabama wide receiver Chris Black.
Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban updated the media on Black’s status Wednesday night during his press conference. The redshirt junior has been having ankle problems since summer practice, per Matt Zenitz of AL.com. Saban said Black will undergo season-ending ankle surgery this week.
Black, a Florida native, was a consensus four-star prospect upon enrolling at Alabama in 2012. He had a productive redshirt freshman year in 2013, after sustaining a shoulder injury in fall camp in 2012. Black caught eight passes for 79 yards and two touchdowns. He also rushed for a score in 2013.
Black returned in 2014 with decent season, backing up Christion Jones in the slot. He saw action in 11 games, totaling 15 catches for 188 yards. Nagging ankle issues have limited Black this season. He’s caught only two passes for 23 yards.
It tends to bother him more so in practice, with some days being better than others. Alabama fans can only hope for a safe surgery and a healthy recovery process.
Stephen M. Smith is a senior analyst and columnist for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @ESPN_Future.
