Alabama sustained some bumps and bruises versus Mississippi State, but it looks forward to honoring its senior class on Saturday against Western Carolina at Bryant-Denny Stadium.
A final verdict has not been made; however, it is looking like four players may not suit up this weekend for the 11:00 a.m. matchup. The quartet of Raekwon Davis, DJ Dale, Phidarian Mathis and Henry Ruggs III all suffered injuries last week. While Mathis’ was not disclosed, Saban updated reporters on Davis, Dale and Ruggs in his postgame presser. An ankle issue kept Davis out of practice and though Dale (knee) and Mathis were present, both were very limited.
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Ruggs (ribs) missed Tuesday, but returned on Wednesday and was limited.
Per Saban, all four players are ‘very questionable’ for this game.
A lot of young defensive linemen will have an opportunity to get reps – including Christian Barmore, Byron Young, Justin Eboigbe, Ishmael Sopher and Braylen Ingraham.
When it comes to true freshmen like Sopsher and Ingraham, Saban said he is ‘anxious’ to see how they perform.
In terms of Ruggs, one can expect Jaylen Waddle to see more targets.
During Tuesday’s media availability for players, DeVonta Smith said he looks at Mac Jones the same way he did for Tua Tagovailoa. This team has no fear and it fully trusts that Jones can guide it throughout the remainder of the season.
In his first start against Arkansas, the redshirt sophomore and native Floridian positioned Jerry Jeudy for a 100-yard receiving performance.
Jones helped the Tide earn a 48-7 victory.
Even with some players out, the team can build more depth.
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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.
