Alabama Football: Hogs practice, injury update and Saban media review

Alabama football hit the field for its first Arkansas practice. Check out injury updates and Saban’s Monday media review.

Nick Saban did not assail the media on Monday for its past lavish praise of Alabama football. It was business as usual back in Tuscaloosa. Before moving on to the Razorbacks, Saban should be credited for again, for the who knows how many times, using media displeasure to lecture his football team.

In week seven of the season, no amount of ‘rat poison’ in the world will deter Alabama football players from listening very carefully to Nick Saban. We doubt listening was ever the real problem. The problem might have been a bit of complacency. More than likely it was some very gifted football players not fully understanding how much they still need to improve.

Players of the Week from the TAMU Game.

Offense: Damien Harris

Defense: Minkah Fitzpatrick; Anfernee Jennings and Da’Ron Payne

Special teams: Andy Pappanastos; Daniel Wright; Minkah Fitzpatrick

Fitzpatrick was also the SEC Co-Defensive Player of the Week. Speaking of Daniel Wright, check out the tweet below. The young man will make a fine safety in the future.

Injury Update

• Out: Hand, Lewis, Miller, Forristall
• Day-to-Day: Tony Brown; Calvin Ridley

Ridley’s thigh bruise should be fine for Arkansas. Tony Brown’s knee strain may keep him out against the Hogs. If so, look for Shyheim Carter to step in at Star in the Dime package. Also, Trevon Diggs was back at work on Monday and should be ready for Saturday.

Saban on specific players’ performance

• Nick was very complimentary of Isaiah Buggs. Saban did say depth remains a concern for the defensive line. He said Josh Frazier is playing the best football of his career.
• LaBryan Ray is expected to get more snaps going forward. Earlier in the season, the plan was to redshirt the true freshman. Ray has shown he is ready to contribute this season and made a big sack Saturday night. Barring a career-ending injury, Ray’s upside to similar to Jonathan Allen’s as a freshman. As a recruit, Ray was a 5-Star and ranked the No. 28 player overall in the nation.

Any evidence of changes on the offensive line was not seen during the media viewing period on Monday. Check out our O-Line thoughts below.

Next: Any offensive problems start upfront

To no one’s surprise, Saban called Arkansas a very good team. The truth is the Razorbacks are teetering on the edge of a melt-down season. QB Austin Allen has carried his team, although it has led to only 2 wins. Allen is not expected to be 100 percent on Saturday and his offensive line is porous.