As Rose Bowl practice gets underway, Saban updates Alabama’s starting lineup with injuries.
One of Alabama football’s two previously injured starters was there for the team’s first practice before the Rose Bowl on Saturday.
As No. 4 UA (12-1, 8-0 SEC) prepared to prepare for No. 1 Michigan in the College Football Playoff Semifinal, head coach Nick Saban of the Crimson Tide revealed defensive back Kool-Aid McKinstry (concussion) had cleared protocol and was “fine.”
However, senior running back Jase McClellan had not yet made his way back to the field following an ankle sprain sustained at the Iron Bowl.
“(McClellan) is improving,” stated Saban. It’s probably still too early to tell, in my opinion. He is preparing to sprint on dry land and perform other things. He’ll continue to work for the remainder of the week to see where he ends up.
With 803 yards, McClellan is the top rusher in Alabama. In addition, he has six touchdowns via the air. His ankle sprain, which worsened on Nov. 25 against Auburn, kept him out of UA’s most recent game. Mercedes-Benz Stadium hosted McClellan’s pregame warm-ups, but he swiftly changed back into street attire following kickoff.
McClellan cheered from the sidelines as Roydell Williams, Jam Miller, and Milroe divided the carries in the backfield. McClellan averages 61.8 yards per game, but Williams and Miller combined only average slightly over 57 yards per game.
Although the public and media are not permitted during practice, the team has released film of McKinstry going through drills.
McKinstry, who was selected to two All-American teams by different publications, left the game against Georgia in the third quarter of Alabama’s SEC Championship game on December 2.
Although McKinstry entered the concussion protocol, according to Saban, the standout defensive back participated in the trophy presentation and the locker room party by helping DJ.
Alabama substituted Trey Amos as a boundary cornerback for McKinstry. Additionally, Kristian Story gained additional reps in UA’s nickel defence. Georgia’s opening drive resulted in a touchdown, but Alabama’s defence shut down the Bulldogs to win the game 27–24.
