Alabama Football: Notes from first CFB Semi-final practice

Alabama football returned to the practice field Thursday afternoon and Crimson Tide fans were reassured by what was observed.

It was back to work for the Alabama football team on Thursday afternoon. Rain kept the team inside for the first session of the College Football Playoff season.

Lots of previously, ‘walking wounded’ players were back at work. Tight end, Kedrick James who has been out for an extended time was at practice. Both injured outside linebackers, Terrell Lewis and Chris Allen were dressed out for practice. Allen is not as far along in rehab and is not expected to be ready for the Oklahoma game. Terrell Lewis has worked hard for a chance to participate in the Playoffs. His game status for Oklahoma is doubtful.

The best news for Alabama football fans was the mobility of Tua Tagovailoa. Mere days after national media reported Tua would not be healthy enough to play against the Sooners, practice video showed he is making a fast recovery.

Check it out for yourself in the two tweets below.

Our thanks to Travis and Alex for the reassuring video. Tua looks to be recovering far faster than did Jalen Hurts from the same surgery. Our ‘Captain Obvious’ statement of the week is Crimson Tide fans are relieved.

Deonte Brown may not be doing so well recovering from turf toe. Brown practiced on Thursday but it was as part of the second unit offensive line. Lester Cotton worked at left guard with the first unit.

Another positive tidbit from Thursday was OC Mike Locksley back working for the Crimson Tide as usual. Locksley has to juggle his Maryland recruiting duties while coaching for Alabama football in the Playoffs. For now, at least, Locksley is looking like the only Tide assistant coach changing teams after the season.

One coach not on the Crimson Tide staff (on or off the field) is former Maryland head coach, D.J. Durkin. Nick Saban said,

"D.J. Durkin is spending a few days with our staff in Tuscaloosa from a professional development standpoint. He has not been hired in any capacity at The University of Alabama. He is simply observing our operation as many other coaches have done through the years."

The complete practice schedule leading up to the Oklahoma game has not yet been released. The first media review session with Nick Saban will take place on Monday, Dec. 17.

It is also a big graduation weekend for several Alabama football players. Damien Harris, Jalen Hurts, Anfernee Jennings and Jonah Williams will receive undergraduate degrees. Derek Kief, Ross Piersbacher, Josh Casher and Christian Miller will be awarded master’s degrees.