Saban provides injury updates for Alabama starters as Rose Bowl practice begins
Alabama football held its first practice before the Rose Bowl on Saturday and one of its two previously injured starters was in attendance.
CrimsonTide head coach Nick Saban confirmed defensive lineman Kool-Aid McKinstry (concussion) has completed protocol and is “fine” while No. 4 UA (12- 1, 8-0 SEC) continues to rebound against No. 1 Michigan and the university prepares for the semifinals of the football playoffs.
However, senior running back Jase McClellan had yet to return to the field after suffering a sprained ankle in the Iron Bowl.“(McClellan) is doing better,” Saban said. “I think it’s probably too early to tell. He is preparing for the test and other things. He will progress the rest of the week and see where he ends up.
McClellan is Alabama’s leading rusher with 803 yards. He also added six rushing touchdowns. He missed UA’s last game because of a sprained ankle he aggravated Nov. 25 against Auburn.
McClellan completed his warm-up at Mercedes-Benz Stadium before the game, but quickly returned to street clothes after kickoff.
Roydell Williams and Jam Miller, along with Milroe, separated in the backfield while McClellan celebrated from the sideline.
Williams and Miller average just over 57 yards per game, compared to McClellan’s 61.8 yards per game.Practice is closed to media and the public, but McKinstry was seen practicing in footage released by the team.
McKinstry, who was named to two All-American lists by various media outlets, left Alabama in the third quarter of Alabama’s SEC championship victory over Georgia in December. 2.
Saban said McKinstry entered concussion protocol, but the star defenseman took part in the postgame celebration, headed to the podium for the trophy presentation and helped DJ at the locker room party.
To replace McKinstry, Alabama brought in Trey Amos as a boundary cornerback. Kristian Story also earned a few more reps in UA’s nickel defense.
After allowing a touchdown on Georgia’s first possession, Alabama stymied the Bulldogs with the majority in a 27-24 victory. The Wolverines received some good news Sunday night.
Will Johnson, a consensus first-team All-Big Ten defensive end, confirmed to The Michigan Insider that he will “definitely” be on the field in Pasadena after missing Michigan’s Big 10 championship routine at Iowa.
Alabama and Michigan will play in “The Granddaddy of Them All” on Jan. 1 at 4 p.m. C.T.
