Alabama football worked inside Monday afternoon and Nick Saban took his foot off the gas a bit, not practicing in pads or the heat outside.
It was fall camp session No. 15 for Alabama football, Monday afternoon in Tuscaloosa. Perhaps as a one-day concession to recent injuries, the Crimson Tide worked in helmets and shorts. Maybe it was because Nick Saban knew even the healthy players needed some relief from the grind of fall camp.
The best news on Monday was there were no new injuries to report. Clear progress was shown for a few of the banged-up players. Najee Harris was seen off his scooter and walking in a boot. Jamey Mosley and Daniel Wright were able to do the same drills as everyone else on Monday. Wide receiver, Devonta Smith who was slightly injured in the Saturday scrimmage, was back to full speed.
It is too soon for optimistic updates on either Stephon Wynn or Matt Womack. For Terrell Lewis and Chris Allen, the road back from injury remains long.
There was the slightest indication of player movement at Monday’s session. Freshman Tommy Brown and redshirt freshman, Kendall Randolph shared the second unit right tackle role. Brown had been there exclusively since Womack was injured. The first unit showed no changes with Wills still at right tackle and Leatherwood at right guard.
On defense, Shyheim Carter appeared to re-establish his hold on the first team, nickel defense, star position. Carter continued to also work with the safeties, giving another sign in the dime defense, either Carter or Xavier McKinney will take the money role.
Carter spoke about his role on Monday afternoon.
"I’m not worried about where I’ll be playing at. It’s what’s best for the team…I’m very blessed that I can say that I know multiple positions, and it’s not easy learning it. Me being able to know multiple positions it helps me, and it helps other players on the team that I can teach the position to them"
One of those others could become the sixth starter in the dime defense, freshman, Patrick Surtain Jr.
Alabama football will practice again Tuesday afternoon. It will probably be a return to August heat and full pads.
And what about the quarterbacks? Cobbling together bits and pieces of information from Saturday, Jalen Hurts showed improvement. A current minority of vocal fans seem to believe both QBs will share playing time against Louisville. A current majority of vocal fans appear to believe Tua should be the starter from game one. Nick Saban will not be consulting either the minority or the majority.
Alabama Crimson Tide great, Rashad Johnson began his off-field football support role on Monday. He was seen observing practice with Javier Arenas.