Alabama football hopes to have everyone ready this week for its regular season finale versus Auburn in the Iron Bowl, and during Nick Saban’s conversion with the media in today’s teleconference for Southeastern Conference coaches, he had some positive news to share.
After ripping off a 73-yard run in the second half against Citadel, senior running back Damien Harris sustained what the medical staff termed a “mild concussion.” He stayed on the field for a few moments; however, he was able to stand up and jog to the sideline under his own power.
He has been in concussion protocol all week, but Saban told reporters that Harris had been “cleared” by the medical staff on Tuesday.
“We hope without a setback, he’ll be okay,” Saban said on Harris.
The senior is 322 yards shy of becoming the first back in school history to record three consecutive 1,000-yard rushing seasons. Through 11 games, Harris carries the Tide in rushing with 678 yards and seven touchdowns on 108 attempts. He has posted a pair of 100-yard performances coming versus Arkansas and Louisiana State University of the SEC.
Questions will be directed at Saban tonight as to whether he will play Harris; nevertheless, the coach will play his best guy if team doctors believe that he is ready. Should something change, expect to see a huge showing of Najee Harris with a dash of Josh Jacobs and Brian Robinson.
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 @CoachingMSmith.
