After two days off, the Crimson Tide was back at practice in helmets, shoulder pads, and shorts on Tuesday afternoon. It was the 20th of 28 practices leading up to the season opener against West Virginia on August 30. Nick Saban was in a good mood today that I will get to later.
QUARTERBACKS
You knew this question would come up. There is no change in the quarterback competition with both Blake Sims and Jake Coker seeing time with the first team offense. "Somebody has got to take the job," Saban stated in the post-practice press conference. "The good news is we have two guys I would feel very comfortable playing." He even went as far as calling out the forgotten man at QB, Alec Morris, who he says has "had a really good fall camp and we feel like he has made a lot of progress as well."
INJURIES
DL A'Shawn Robinson (knee) was held out of practice with the hopes of a return on Wednesday. OL Dominick Jackson (ankle) should be increasing his workload but it is uncertain when he will be back at full workout.
Trey DePriest, who is recovering from a knee injury, was at full contact working with the first-team defense in nickle package situations. Saban said that DePriest is "pretty much full speed." and that he will "have to play himself into shape."
TE Brian Vogler (ankle sprain) was held out of Sunday's scrimmage but was back today and appeared to be at full speed. Also back was safety Geno Smith (knee) who worked at the Star position alongside Maurice Smith.
Saban mentioned on Sunday that WR Amari Cooper (bruised knee), DT Jarran Reed (knee), and freshman LB Shaun Dion Hamilton (ankle) were nicked up but none of them were restricted today.
CHARITY
Something many of Nick Saban's critics don't know or don't want to admit they know about him is that he and his wife, Miss Terry, truly enjoy doing charity work. Following practice, Saban and the rest of the team took part in the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge. Saban reminded Bama fans of former Alabama, New England Patriots, and Philadelphia Eagles fullback Kevin Turner who struggles with this awful disease. Learn more about Turner at kevinturnerfoundation.org
Saban sent challenges out to Florida Gators head coach Will Muschamp, New Orleans Saints' Mark Ingram, talking head Paul Finebaum, and West Virginia Senator Joe Manchin who is a childhood friend.
UP NEXT
Another practice Wednesday afternoon.