Alabama played last week without arguably its two best linemen on the offensive and defensive sides of the ball.
Defensive end Jaheim Oatis (foot) and guard Tyler Booker (back) both missed the Crimson Tide’s 17-3 win over USF.
On Wednesday, head coach Nick Saban offered the latest update on the pair’s status going into Saturday’s game against Ole Miss.
“Tyler Booker is practicing and so is Jaheim Oatis,” Saban said. “SO they haven’t had issues. That doesn’t mean they’re not day-to-day in terms of coming back and getting over injuries but they are practicing.”
Oatis was replaced by Tim Smith on the defensive front, which performed well throughout the day allowing just one field goal.
Terrence Ferguson filled in for Booker but the unit did not see similar success to the defensive line. As a whole the offensive line struggled against the Bulls allowing a total of five sacks on the day.
Saban highlighted the importance of Booker following the game.
“Book’s kind of a leader of the offensive line,” Saban said following the USF game. “He certainly helps (Kadyn Proctor) play better because he plays beside him. And I think (Proctor) has a lot more confidence when he’s in there. Hopefully, we’ll get him back next week as well.”
Alabama kicks off against Ole Miss inside Bryant-Denny Stadium on Saturday at 2:30 p.m. with CBS on the call.
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