Alabama defeated Tennessee 34-20 on Saturday despite missing one of its key starters on defense.
Georgia transfer linebacker Trezmen Marshall, who has started the first seven games this season, was held out of the game with an injury.
During his postgame press conference, Saban explained the issues Marshall faced throughout the week at practice which ultimately led the team to have him sit out against the Volunteers.
“Trezmen Marshall has like bruised ribs,” Saban said. “I always ask the player, ‘You think you can play?’ And even though he was able to practice a little bit in a black jersey, which means nobody can hit you – so he can move around decent enough, but every time he’d bump somebody, it was a problem.
“Hopefully in two weeks, he’ll be OK.”
Marshall recorded 40 total tackles and 2.5 sacks in the year prior to his injury and was replaced by sophomore Jihaad Campbell in the game.
Campbell was able to step up and turn in another strong performance off the bench as he posted 10 total tackles, one tackle for loss and returned a fumble for a touchdown.
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