Monday was an eventful day for Alabama football. The first official depth chart was revealed, Saban lectured the media on assumptions and Louisville work continued.
Given the earlier Monday activity for Alabama football, the actual practice proved rather uneventful. We Alabama football fans have to adjust to less practice information once the season starts. The always limited media viewing periods are less during game weeks and often shorter.
The Alabama Crimson Tide team worked outside in full pads Monday in typical hot, late summer conditions. The best information coming out of Monday’s practice was the physical condition of running back, Najee Harris and cornerback, Trevon Diggs.
Alabama football may continue to list Harris as day-to-day but Monday observers said he appeared to have fully regained his quickness. Diggs was believed to have been battling a minor foot injury. On Monday, Diggs showed no sign of physical limitations.
There was even a report, injured defensive lineman, Stephon Wynn dressed for practice in a black jersey. He was not seen working during the media viewing sessions but it appears Wynn’s recovery is moving quicker than expected.
Secondary roles not yet settled
The Official Depth Chart showed Saivion Smith or Patrick Surtain Jr. as starters at one cornerback slot. Practice reps indicated Smith is still retaining a lead at that position. Until at least the Louisville game, the secondary remains fluid. When Alabama football goes to a dime defense, six of these seven guys are most likely to be on the field: Trevon Diggs; Saivion Smith; Deionte Thompson; Shyheim Carter; Xavier McKinney; Patrick Surtain Jr. or Jared Mayden.
There was no change with the first-team offensive line Monday – from left to right, Williams, Cotton, Piersbacher, Leatherwood and Wills. In the second-unit, Scott Lashley is still limited with an undisclosed ailment. In his place at left tackle was Elliot Baker. The other four from left guard to right tackle were Josh Casher, Chris Owens, Deonte Brown and Richie Petitbon.
Among that group of four offensive linemen, look for Owens, Brown and maybe later Lashley to step up if one of the first unit players goes down. Owens would come in at center and Brown at guard. If a first unit tackle goes out, Leatherwood would probably move to tackle while Brown takes the right guard role.
Alabama football will return to the practice field Tuesday afternoon. Nick Saban will meet with the media next on Wednesday after practice.