Alabama Football: Day 2 of Arkansas preparation and new player awards

Alabama football went through day two of Arkansas game preparation and Minkah Fitzpatrick got more recognition.

Alabama football did a little outside and a little inside work on Tuesday as the Tide prepared for the Arkansas game. Most of practice was inside the Hank Crisp practice facility, but there was an outdoor session as well. As is customary for Tuesdays, the Alabama football team worked in full pads.

After already being named the SEC Co-Defensive Player of the Week, Minkah Fitzpatrick picked up more recognition on Tuesday. Minkah was named the Chuck Bednarik Player of the Week by the Maxwell Football Club. He was also named the Bronko Nagurski, National Defensive Player of the Week by the Football Writers Association of America.

A trio of Alabama football players was chosen by Pro Football Focus to the SEC Defensive Team of the Week.

It is hard to understand how the PFF team did not include Minkah, but Rashaan Evans, Hootie Jones and Isaiah Buggs clearly deserved recognition.

Practice Notes

• Calvin Ridley was back at work on Tuesday, showing little effects from the thigh bruise.
• Trevon Diggs appears fully recovered from his ankle problem.
• Tony Brown was not seen during the media viewing period. In Brown’s place, Shyheim Carter was working at Star in the Dime package. If Brown is not available Saturday, Alabama football fans need to remember the last couple of Arkansas games saw little use of the Alabama football Dime package.

It will be interesting to see on Saturday if Diggs returns to the punt return role. True freshman Henry Ruggs III has looked good as Diggs’ replacement.

Against Arkansas, senior Robert Foster will look to atone for a drop and a fumble against the Aggies. Foster appears to have the support of Saban and his teammates. Ross Perschbacher talked to 247 Sports about Foster.

"“Just rally around him ,all guys are going to have their moments where things don’t go the right way. And just be there for him, support him, know that the coach is not giving up on him and players, too. Just be there for him and support, like anyone else.”"

Based on the offensive line performance in the second half against the Aggies, Foster is not the only Alabama football player teammates need to rally around.

Next: Does the offense need 'fixin' - if so, start up front.

When was the last time Alabama football lost a homecoming football game? Here are two clues. It was one of the Mikes as head coach and the opponent was coached by another man you know and love.