TUSCALOOSA, Ala.– University of Alabama sophomore running back Josh Jacobs has been dealing with a hamstring issue during the last two to three weeks of fall practice.
Despite performing some individual drills, he has yet to practice fully with the team and with head coach Nick Saban stating how freshman Najee Harris has an opportunity to play this weekend – Crimson Tide fans probably won’t see Jacobs take reps versus Florida State.
“He’s still in rehab,” Saban said on Jacobs at Wednesday’s presser.
Excluding a three-star rating, Jacobs totaled 567 yards rushing and four touchdowns on 85 carries while catching 14 passes for 156 receiving yards (fifth on team) through 15 games. He held his own last season, as he finished second in yards per carry average (6.7) among the Tide’s backs
Hailing from Tulsa, Okla., Jacobs played well against Kent State and Kentucky: both of which were games where Bo Scarbrough and Damien Harris did not see much action. He posted 100 rushing yards and a touchdown on 16 carries versus the Wildcats in a 34-6 win for Alabama at Bryant-Denny Stadium, earning him Southeastern Conference Freshman of the Week honors.
Per Saban, Thursday will decide if Jacobs plays on Saturday.
“He’s trying to get strength back in his hamstring,” Saban said.
“If he cannot practice tomorrow, he probably won’t play in the game.”
One of the reasons why Saban signs on four to five ball carriers per recruiting class is for situations like this. The experience of Scarbrough and Damien Harris, and star-studded potential of Najee Harris and Brian Robinson gives Alabama leverage to rest Jacobs.
Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @Smsmith_TDALMag.
