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Alabama Football: No one knows the Iron Bowl lineup, including the Tigers

By Ronald Evans

STARKVILLE, MS - NOVEMBER 11: head coach Nick Saban of the Alabama Crimson Tide reacts to a play during the second half of an NCAA football game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium on November 11, 2017 in Starkville, Mississippi. (Photo by Butch Dill/Getty Images)
STARKVILLE, MS - NOVEMBER 11: head coach Nick Saban of the Alabama Crimson Tide reacts to a play during the second half of an NCAA football game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium on November 11, 2017 in Starkville, Mississippi. (Photo by Butch Dill/Getty Images) /
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Alabama football began Auburn preparation Monday afternoon. Earlier, Nick Saban discussed the injury status of six injured Tide players.

When Nick Saban updated injuries at the start of Iron Bowl week, he was far from definitive. Six key Alabama football players were discussed, none of whom were given ‘all-clear’ status. On the positive side, none of the six were ruled out for the Iron Bowl.

While Alabama football fans yearn for the return of all six, until Saturday, there is zero value in learning whether they will play. What is not known by Tide fans is also not known by the Auburn coaching staff.

ICYMI: Is Calvin Ridley the next Julio Jones?

Injury Update for the Iron Bowl

  • Minkah Fitzpatrick practiced on Monday. Saban defined his playing status as day-to-day. Minkah may be the only Crimson Tide player who can contradict Nick. On Monday Fitzpatrick said he is 100 percent.
  • Ross Piersbacher has not been cleared medically. He is still in a boot. Saban also called Ross day-to-day but two weeks would be a rapid return from a high ankle sprain.
  • Andy Pappanastos was at practice. He also is day-to-day.
  • Terrell Lewis and Christian Miller were not seen at practice, Saban defined their status as in Functional Rehab. Neither player has been cleared medically.
  • Mack Wilson was also not at practice. He has not reached Functional Rehab status yet and as such is also not cleared medically.
  • While not mentioned by Nick Saban, true freshman, and key special teams player, Daniel Wright was banged up against Mercer. At Monday’s practice, he was available but had limited activity.

Alabama Football Players of the Week

Ross Piersbacher’s replacement, J.C. Hassenauer was named the SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week for his play against Mercer. 247Sports named Dylan Moses as the True Freshman of the Week.

Alabama football coaches selected a total of eight players-of-the-week from the Mercer game. On offense, the coaches named Hassenauer, Jalen Hurts, Josh Jacobs and Cam Sims. The defenders honored were Moses and Deionte Thompson. Special teams players selected were J.K. Scott and Trevon Diggs.

In the starting lineup

Surprising no one on Monday, Dylan Moses was working with the first unit at Mike linebacker. Barring a practice injury, Moses is expected to make his second start Saturday afternoon in Auburn.

J.C. Hassenauer is also expected to make his second start against the Tigers. Based on his play in the Mississippi State and Mercer games, J.C. appears to be up to the challenge.

Next: Why Alabama will beat Auburn

Even though it is Iron Bowl week, don’t look away from Crimson Tide basketball. Avery Johnson’s newly designated No. 25 team has a big game Tuesday night against Texas-Arlington. The UT-Arlington Mavericks are a probable NCAA tourney team, making this a big game for the Tide.

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