Alabama head coach Nick Saban spoke with the media on Monday for the first time since the Crimson Tide’s win over Georgia in the SEC Championship.
The team left that game with two looming injuries for running back Jase McClellan (foot) and cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry (head).
McClellan warmed up prior to the game against the Bulldogs but was not able to go. But Saban did share that McClellan has been progressing but his status for the semi-final game is still too early to determine.
“He is getting better,” Saban said. “I think it’s still probably too early to tell. He’s getting ready to do dry-land running and some things. He’ll progress through the rest of the week and see where he lands.”
McClellan is Alabama’s leading rusher this season with 803 yards and six touchdowns, so getting him back healthy before the matchup with Michigan would be significant.
As McClellan works to get back full-time, Saban did note that McKinstry is officially back at practice and out of the concussion protocol.
Alabama will continue practice this week for its College Football Playoff Semi-final matchup with Michigan at the Rose Bowl on Jan. 1.
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Patrick Dowd is a Reporter for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can follow him on Twitter, via Pat_Dowd77
