After overcoming an uncommon number of injuries last season, Alabama football won a championship. If August injuries are an indication, the Tide may have to overcome again.
Alabama football practices are tough. They are designed to push the physical and mental limits of players. Former Crimson Tide players in the NFL frequently state professional practices are easier than those they knew in Tuscaloosa. Physical toughness is integral to the Tide’s championship legacy. Wade, Thomas, Bryant, Stallings, and now Saban all share an attitude that harder practices lead to more fun in games. Fun, that is contingent upon winning, of course.
Players get hurt in practice and games. Every precaution is taken to reduce the injuries and minimize the severity when they happen. Still, the Alabama football medical team has plenty of patients. Especially during 2017, with 2018 starting out much the same.
Alabama football trainer, Jeff Allen, and his staff are recognized for being at the top of the athletic training profession. The Tide’s doctors: Jimmy Robinson; Craig Buettner; Jeff Laubenthal; Les Fowler and Lyle Cain are also supported by internationally renowned, Dr. James Andrews. No college athletes receive better medical care than those at the University of Alabama.
Current List of Injured Players
- Daniel Wright – Defensive Back. Wright injured a shoulder a few days ago. It was first feared to serious. Fortunately, he made a quick return and took part in the last scrimmage in a black no-contact jersey.
- Jamey Mosley – Outside Linebacker. Mosley separated a shoulder. He is not fully healed but is able to practice in a brace. He was not able to take part in the scrimmage.
- Stephon Wynn – Defensive Lineman. Wynn has a ligament injury and is expected to miss several weeks.
- Terrell Lewis – Outside Linebacker. Lewis tore an ACL earlier this summer. He has vowed an ambitious return for the post-season.
- Chris Allen – Linebacker. Allen recently had knee surgery and is almost surely out for the entire season.
- Najee Harris – Running back. Harris has a foot problem that might or might not keep him out of the Louisville game.
- Matt Womack – Offensive Lineman. Womack reinjured the same foot he broke last spring. A repeat surgery was required and Womack will miss several weeks.
Four players out for extended time is too many, especially when three are from a defense having to replace eight starters from last season. Alabama football can ill afford more linebacker or defensive line injuries. No one has to tell Nick Saban who has been concerned about defensive depth throughout the offseason.
Still, it is as it has always been, next man up for the Alabama Crimson Tide.
Alabama football returns to the practice field Monday. There are six more practice sessions remaining in fall camp.