TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Alabama football head coach Nick Saban has spent the majority of his time recruiting since the matchup versus Auburn, but in Friday’s press conference, he did unveil some huge news concerning injury updates on several players – including three linebackers.
Christian Miller, Terrell Lewis and Mack Wilson all played in the Iron Bowl, despite not being 100 percent healthy. Miller (biceps) and Lewis (elbow) sustained injuries in the Crimson Tide’s season opener against Florida State, while Wilson (foot) went down versus LSU.
According to Saban, Miller and Lewis are ‘full go’ for practice. Wilson, on the other hand, has a chance to improve – especially with seeing how his injury is still fresher than the other two.
“Mack Wilson was able to practice,” Saban said. “I would not say 100 percent, but he did practice a significant amount.”
Since the loss to Auburn, Wilson has had three weeks to rest his foot. With two more weeks remaining until Alabama travels to Mercedes-Benz Stadium to face Clemson for the Allstate Sugar Bowl (CFP semifinal) in New Orleans, La., the sophomore should be at full strength.
As for Minkah Fitzpatrick (hamstring), he’s accepted some awards – including Jim Thorpe and Chuck Bednarik along with All-American honors – but is trying to avoid a medical setback.
He injured his hamstring in the Tide’s 20-14 win over LSU, and did not play against Mercer on senior day at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Despite the issue, the junior safety has continued to practice and per Saban, ‘Fitzpatrick is better and Alabama is hopeful to keep him that way.’
Although it returns both Ross Pierschbacher and J.C. Hassenauer, senior safety Hootie Jones (knee) will be out for the playoff. Jones, who’s fourth on the team in tackles with 53, sustained would was reported as a partial medial collateral ligament tear in his knee against Auburn.
Deionte Thompson will be called upon to emerge with Jones out.
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.
