The first phase of his bounce back journey is in the books.
After suffering a season-ending right ankle injury versus Tennessee, Jaylen Waddle went through surgery and it was ‘very, very successful’ according to Nick Saban. The junior at wide receiver for Alabama sustained the injury on the opening kickoff.
“The long-term prognosis is very good,” Saban said. It will probably be six to eight weeks before he (Waddle) can really start real heavy rehab.”
Before the injury occurred, Waddle was having an incredible season. He had four consecutive 100-yard games and totaled 557 receiving yards with four touchdowns on 25 catches. Alabama could always count on him for explosive plays and Saban knows all the team can do is find ways to cushion the blow.
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“You can’t replace a guy like Jaylen Waddle,” he said on Monday. “It is no different than losing a guy like Allen Iverson.”
He will have difficult timetable in trying to return, but Waddle has battled adversity his whole life.
His teammates have been very supportive through this time and Saban has been talking with him too.
Slade Bolden will be one of multiple players to step up, but it is good to know Waddle made it strong through surgery.
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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.
