Defensive end Brandon Deaderick, who barely missed any practices last week despite the fact he was shot that Monday night during an apparent attempted robbery, missed practice this afternoon.

There was no official word why he or anyone else was missing, just that all players who missed practice had been excused by coach Nick Saban, but Deaderick is believed to be out of town. His maternal grandmother died on Sunday, the day after Deaderick inspired his teammates by playing in the Crimson Tide's 34-24 come-from-behind victory over Virginia Tech.