Alabama football may have a serious question to ask: Is playing Minkah Fitzpatrick this Saturday against Mississippi State worth it?
ICYMI: Linebacker Depth Chart After LSU Game
When Fitzpatrick started to pull up on the first deep pass that LSU made near the end zone, one could almost hear the collective gasp across Bama Nation, let alone in Bryant-Denny Stadium.
The junior defensive back, widely regarded as one of the most important leaders on the team, even receiving nods for a Heisman Trophy watch, has been sucking the life out of opposing offenses this season. Yet, when Fitzpatrick laid on the ground in the first quarter, the color drained from many Crimson Tide faces.
Two days ago, Marq Burnett of SECCountry.com reported that “Fitzpatrick suffered a hamstring injury. Fitzpatrick was knocked out twice in the first quarter, but managed to return in a situational role. He came back and contributed a half sack at one point.”
Burnett also reported Alabama’s head coach Nick Saban state, “ not going to practice today, but we think he’ll be able to do some work tomorrow.”
Yesterday, regarding the Crimson Tide’s practice, Chandler Rome of The Anniston Star tweeted the following:
Minkah Fitzpatrick participated w/no noticeable hindrance during the two open periods of #Alabama practice. Had a contraption on hamstring
— Chandler Rome (@Chandler_Rome) November 7, 2017
Alright, all of you pseudo-doctors out there, what’s the diagnosis? Does Fitzpatrick play this Saturday or should he sit?
All that Fitzpatrick has demonstrated since coming to the Crimson Tide is his ability to get stronger with every game. As a freshman, he earned 45 tackles, 30 of them solo, with two interceptions for touchdowns and two sacks in 14 games. In his sophomore year, Fitzpatrick surpassed himself by earning 66 total tackles, 42 were solo, with six interceptions, two returned for touchdowns, and 1.5 sacks in 15 games.
In just nine games this season, Fitzpatrick earned 38 total tackles, 24 were solo, with an interception and 1.5 sacks.
However, that was done without “a contraption” on his hamstring.
Alabama has to play the Mississippi State Bulldogs, who sit third in the Southeastern Conference West division (3-2). They are winners of four straight games, with a 7-2 overall record. Their only two losses were against Auburn and Georgia. The Bulldogs are 5-0 at home this season, which is where Alabama will be playing them on Saturday in another night game.
With Alabama still sitting in second place in the College Football Playoff rankings, the Crimson Tide cannot afford any slips of fortune. Even one loss could smell like blood in the water for any Alabama football doubters to keep them out of the playoff hunt. The only loss worthy of a playoff seed would be against Georgia, being in the first place ranking, if they meet in the SEC championship game.
A loss to Mississippi State could be considered an epic failure, under those conditions.
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With the playoffs in mind, it becomes a major decision. Fitzpatrick will likely play, based on what was observed in practice and Saban’s comments; however, the chances that Fitzpatrick re-injures himself during the game are great, creating a huge risk factor. If that happens, Fitzpatrick could be out several weeks, as hamstrings are tricky to treat properly. It is very possible that he could miss the rest of the season, including the national championship game.
However, if he does not play, Alabama would be leaving the best defender on the team on the sidelines, watching helplessly as the Bulldogs attempt to run their offense against them. Since Bulldogs starting quarterback Nick Fitzgerald likes to run the ball as much as he throws, being the team’s leading rusher for 12 touchdowns on the ground as well as 13 touchdowns through the air, Fitzpatrick’s ability to read the play and keep the QB in check would be sorely missed.
Next: Tide still no. 2 in College Football Playoff Rankings
Whatever happens, nobody cheering for Alabama will want to gasp like they did last Saturday. Fitzpatrick, contraption and all, needs to stay healthy if Alabama has a chance at the SEC Championship, let alone a berth in the CFB Playoffs.