Saban provides injury reports on Alabama’s players as Rose Bowl practice begins.
Nick Saban anticipates Alabama’s Rose Bowl matchup with Michigan.
Alabama Crimson Tide posted this on AL.com on Monday, December 18, 2023.
Alabama football had its first practice ahead of the Rose Bowl on Saturday, with one of its two previously injured starters in attendance.
Head coach Nick Saban stated that defensive back Kool-Aid McKinstry (concussion) has completed protocol and is “fine” as No. 4 Alabama (12-1, 8-0 SEC) prepares for No. 1 Michigan and the College Football Playoff Semifinal.
Jase McClellan, a senior running back, was yet to return to the field after suffering a sprained ankle in the Iron Bowl.
McClellan is Alabama’s leading rusher, with 803 yards. He has also scored six touchdowns on the run. He missed UA’s final game due to an ankle issue worsened on November 25 against Auburn. McClellan participated in pregame warmups at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, but he swiftly changed back into street clothes after start.
Roydell Williams and Jam Miller split carries in the backfield with Milroe, as McClellan cheered from the sideline. Williams and Miller average little more than 57 yards per game, compared to McClellan’s 61.8.
Although practice is closed to the media and the public, McKinstry was seen going through drills in team-released film.
McKinstry, who has been chosen to two All-American lists by separate sites, left Alabama’s SEC Championship game against Georgia in the third quarter on December 2. Saban stated that McKinstry had entered concussion protocol, but the star defensive back participated in the postgame celebration, making his way onto the stage for the trophy presentation and DJing the locker room party.
Alabama replaced McKinstry with Trey Amos at boundary cornerback. Kristian Story also got more reps in UA’s nickel defence. After conceding a score on Georgia’s first possession, Alabama shut out the Bulldogs for a 27-24 victory.
The Wolverines received excellent news on Sunday night. Will Johnson, an All-Big Ten consensus first-team defensive back, told The Michigan Insider that he will “for sure” be on the field in Pasadena despite missing Michigan’s Big 10 Championship victory against Iowa.
Alabama and Michigan will compete in ‘The Granddaddy of Them All’ on January 1 at 4 p.m. CT.
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