Alabama Football: Big news Wednesday on the return of injured players

Alabama football fans have been expecting good news for over a week. The news from Wednesday’s practice was better than expected.

For the last few weeks, fans on message boards have been speculating Alabama football players Christian Miller and Terrell Lewis might return for the Auburn game. During that interval, injuries to Ross Piersbacher and Andy Pappanastos put their status for Auburn in question. A fifth player, Mack Wilson was not expected to return before the SEC Championship game or later.

On Wednesday afternoon as Alabama football worked outside in full pads, all five players participated. Christian Miller, Terrell Lewis, Mack Wilson and Ross Piersbacher wore black, no-contact jerseys. All four participated in drills during the media viewing period.

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Placekicker Andy Pappanastos was also participating in normal kicker drills. The possibility exists that all five might play against Auburn.

Who plays against Auburn?

Will they play against Auburn? Nick Saban is not saying, instead defining the status of each player a game-time decision. There is no reason Saban should say anymore. What the Tigers do not know will at least complicate game preparation.

The best guess is the probability of the five playing in Auburn is driven less by medical status and more by game conditioning. Given the long rehab of Christian Miller and Terrell Lewis, situational substitution seems like the most upside. Wilson, having missed less work might be closer to actual game shape.

Another question with both Wilson and Piersbacher is, does it make sense to bump the current replacements. J.C. Hassenauer has filled in well for Piersbacher. Some fans suggest J.C. has performed better. Given the sudden emergence of Dylan Moses, replacing him at starter with Mack Wilson may not be the best plan.

Saban’s post-practice comments

Responding do a question about how do you know when a player is prepared to return, Saban said.

"(To a player) I always ask the question ‘Do you think you can do your job?’ You have to be able to answer that question truthfully and honestly."

When asked about the probability of any of the (formerly) injured five playing against Auburn, Nick said.

"I can’t sit here and tell you they’re able to practice enough to be in good enough shape to go out there and play."

There is no doubt each of the five wants to play. There is little doubt they will answer in the affirmative to the question, “can you do your job.” Absent some unexpected recovery hiccup, Alabama football fans can assume all five will be suited up in Auburn.

Doubt does exist over how much they can go and how much they may impact the game. But the possibility of having them back is a boost for fans and teammates.

Next: Why Alabama will beat Auburn

Happy Thanksgiving to all followers of the Crimson Tide. Two days after Turkey Day, we could be in for quite the treat in Auburn.