Alabama Football: What a Jaylen Waddle return means to the Crimson Tide

Alabama Football: Jaylen Waddle back to the practice field and possibly to play in the National Championship game.

Alabama football got a boost on Monday that is also a blow to the Ohio State Buckeyes. Jaylen Waddle will return to practice on Tuesday. As reported by Matt Zenitz for al.com, Waddle could possibly take the field against the Ohio State Buckeyes.

‘If’ Jaylen plays against Ohio State is almost as big a problem for the Bucks as ‘will’ play would be. The Ohio State game preparation will be negatively impacted by the unknown and what is likely to be a game-day decision for Nick Saban and the Alabama football medical team.

Waddle fractured his ankle on Oct. 24 against the Tennessee Vols. Recovery time varies according to medical experts but Jaylen is to the point normally necessary to become healthy again. He has been working in the weight room and running on ‘dry ground’ and is now ready to hit the practice field.

Nick Saban made these comments, over two weeks ago.

"His rehab is going great. He’s out of a cast. He’s out of a boot. He walks. He’s running on a treadmill. I think he’s making good progress day-to-day. … We haven’t ruled out the fact that as he continues to develop that, you know, I think he’s hopeful that he can come back and play and we’d love to see him come back and play at some point."

There have been no updated official comments from the Alabama football staff or medical team. Waddle might be available to the media on Tuesday or Wednesday.

Even if Jaylen is not 100 percent, he would still threaten the Ohio State secondary. The weakest link in Buckeye position groups is the secondary, especially the safeties. With Waddle on the field, the Ohio State defense will not be allowed to bring a safety into the box to try and stop Najee Harris. The Buckeyes would also be challenged to double-team DeVonta Smith. Alabama football fans know well that Smitty cannot be covered by one man.

In all the excitement, it is important to remember Waddle’s health comes first. He should play only if medically cleared and not susceptible to aggravated injury.

A healing Waddle and a hurting Justin Fields do not bode well for the Buckeyes. Their chance of an upset is lessened.