This is either ultimate gamesmanship from Nick Saban or Terrell Lewis teased Alabama fans with the photo he posted on Twitter earlier this week.
Just four months after sustaining a serious knee injury, the talented junior outside linebacker has practiced the last three days in getting ready for the Crimson Tide’s matchup with Georgia for a Southeastern Conference championship opportunity. Despite how well he looks in the eyes of media personnel and the desire of fans wanting to see him in action, Saban shut down all thoughts of Lewis potentially seeing the field on Saturday against the Bulldogs.
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“This is just the next phase of his rehab,” Saban said in addressing Lewis’ progress in his opening statement. “That does not at all mean that he has been cleared to play football.”
He even went as far as to say “it has not even been discussed on whether he can play,” and when one final thought approached him on the subject, Saban fired back with Lewis “won’t be playing anytime soon.”
Hailing from Washington, D.C., Lewis was not in a non-contact jersey for this week of media viewing and if he was not sure of being able to play, the tweet that generate so much buzz would not have been shared. On the other hand, the former five-star does have a medical redshirt in his back pocket to use.
Should he not play against Georgia, there lies the possibility of two College Football Playoff matchups. According to the NCAA rule book, if a player participates in 30 percent or less of the season due to injury – he or she qualifies to accept a medical redshirt.
Tide fans, what say you? Was Lewis teasing too much or is this Saban’s gamesmanship?
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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.
