Coach Nick Saban gave some very positive updates in his post-practice conference today: Darren Mustin and Brian Motley are expected to play this Saturday against Florida State. Neither are expected to start, but both will likely play.
Motley has been out all season after breaking his ankle in Fall practice, and he has far exceeded expectations regarding his recovery time. According to Saban, Motley has been cleared by the UA medical staff, and has been practicing all week. Saban said he considered him a co-starter with Lorenzo Washington. He has been participating in practice all week in contact drills, and not wearing a black no-contact jersey. It doesn't seem like he'll play a ton, but his comeback is pretty big for us. I was just hoping we could have him back by Tennessee, and now he's back by Florida State. Hopefully he can get to 100% soon.
Mustin is practicing, and apparently doing well. Saban said he would bring him back in "tidbits," which probably means that Prince Hall will start for the second week in a row, but that Mustin will play a good bit off the bench.
Also, Preston Dial and Jamie Christensen -- both of whom had missed time with various injuries -- have been cleared and should be good to go this Saturday.
Great news on in the injury front.