TUSCALOOSA, Ala.– Alabama football has been relatively healthy under head coach Nick Saban, especially if one chooses to remove this season from the conversation.
While the latest injury involves a backup center, senior cornerback Tony Brown participated in some things during Wednesday’s practice. Brown, who sustained a sprained knee last week, missed the second half of the Crimson Tide’s matchup against Texas A&M.
As a starter in both nickel and dime, the native Texan was limited on Monday and Tuesday, however, Saban said the former five-star defender has made progress with his movements.
“His position is probably a little harder to play with a sprained knee,” he said on Brown.
“He can run straight ahead pretty well, but the change of direction, stopping and starting and redirecting are the most difficult things. He’s actually made faster progress than I had hoped and that’s very encouraging.”
After being signed in Alabama’s 2014 recruiting class and overcoming a multitude of obstacles, it goes without saying that Brown would love to play in his final homecoming game.
He’s totaled 11 tackles through six games – including one for loss and has been an exceptional teammate since buying into Saban’s process. As for Saturday’s meeting versus Arkansas, the 11th year coach said he cannot make a call right now on whether Brown will be ready.
“If he can do a little more tomorrow that would be even more encouraging,” Saban said.
ESPN will have the call as kickoff stands at 6:15 p.m.
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.
