Nick Saban kept things close to the vest when discussing the injury situation with his team during his Monday news conference kicking off the national championship week.
In Alabama’s previous game against Cincinnati in the College Football Playoff, the Crimson Tide left Dallas with a number of injuries across its offensive line which included Emil Ekiyor (shoulder) and Chris Owens (ankle). Defensive back Jayln Armour-Davis (hip), also left the game following the first series against the Bearcats.
Saban didn’t give much of an update on anyone on the injured list, but he did say the team is hopeful to get a few players back ahead of the game.
“We’re practicing today for the first time, so we’ll kind of see how these guys progress during the week,” Saban said. “We’re hopeful that we’ll get some guys back.”
Ekiyor, who started all 14 games for the Crimson Tide this season, left last week’s game during the second quarter of action and was shortly escorted to the locker room for further evaluations. He was replaced by true freshman offensive lineman J.C. Latham who will likely be the starter against Georgia in the national championship should he be unable to return.
Owens was replaced late in the fourth quarter by redshirt sophomore Amari Kight who finished the game in place of the sixth-year senior. Earlier in the season, Owens was replaced at right tackle by sophomore Damieon Geroge who started three games this season for Alabama.
Armour-Davis, who has dealt with a hip injury for several weeks, warmed up and started the Cotton Bowl against Cincinnati. Following the first defensive series where Armour-Davis allowed a long gain after a missed tackle, he was replaced by junior college transfer Khyree Jackson who finished the game with three tackles and one pass breakup.
**This post will be updated.**
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Patrick Dowd is a Reporter for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can follow him on Twitter, via Pat_Dowd77
