When Alabama started spring practice on Tuesday, the idea was to meet new faces on the coaching staff and get things progressing smoothly, instead a hand injury to quarterback Tua Tagovailoa caused a stir on Twitter and a stampede of reporters trying to get information.
Nick Saban told media personnel that the sophomore had sustained a ‘thumb injury’ on his throwing hand, due to slamming it on the back of a teammate’s helmet.
He would be immediately rushed to UAB Medical Center in Birmingham for evaluation and per Saban, there would not be any speculation on his part other than the program requiring time for Tagovailoa’s return.
While initial outlets reported a ‘broken bone’ in the Hawaiian native’s hand, Matt Zenitz of AL.com brought information on Wednesday — stating the issue was a ‘sprain’ via sources.
Tagovailoa returned to practice on Thursday with his left hand heavily padded, and according to a report via television station KHON2 in Honolulu, Hawaii, the hero of Alabama’s 2017 national championship season had his father reveal the injured part on his hand and how it happened.
His father, Galu Tagoavailoa, told KHON2 Sports Director Rob DeMello that his son suffered a broken index finger to his throwing hand in a “freak accident” Tuesday. Tagovailoa’s hand hit a teammate during a drill and he was taken to the hospital straight from the practice field. He underwent surgery to his left hand that evening, which was successful. – Excerpt from KHON 2
Although he was presented at the Crimson Tide’s second session, Tagovailoa was limited and there is not a set timetable for him to fully starting throwing the ball again. Reflecting back to the article, his parents firmly expect him to be back before the team’s A-Day Game next month.
Alabama’s spring game is scheduled for Saturday, April 21 at 1:00 pm CT.
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.
