Alabama Football: Not all injury news is good for the Tide

Alabama Football: After one practice in south Florida, Sunday morning injury news not all good for the Crimson Tide.

The leadup chatter before the National Championship game has been centered on Alabama Football star, Jaylen Waddle and Ohio State QB, Justin Fields. Both players have injury issues that likely mean neither will be at 100 percent.

The Alabama Crimson Tide practiced Saturday in Miami. Jaylen Waddle was seen in a black, no-contact jersey. On Sunday morning, Nick Saban said this about his star player,

"He has been able to practice to some degree. I think the biggest challenge is can he sustain in the game, and it’ll be a game-time decision as to whether he thinks he can play and go out there and do his job well enough to contribute to the team."

Parsing Saban’s words may not glean much. Alabama football fans will try nonetheless. It is known Jaylen was cleared medically for a return to practice, suggesting whether he plays Monday night is not up to the medical team. Rather, Saban indicates a judgment call will be made by Jaylen. Given that discretion, it is hard to imagine Waddle not playing. It appears any doubt is over effectiveness rather than safety. How effective cannot be known until the Crimson Tide runs its first offensive play.

Alabama football fans have been anticipating a return to the field by Malachi Moore. The solidly-performing freshman missed the semi-final game against Notre Dame. Frequent speculation was Moore did not have a serious problem and some Alabama football insiders even claimed Moore ‘could have’ played against the Fighting Irish. Sunday morning, Moore’s status for Monday night was defined as “very questionable.” Fellow freshman, Brian Branch filled in for Moore against the Irish. Branch performed well but Notre Dame is not Ohio State.

There was a bit of good news Sunday morning. According to reports, Crimson Tide, defensive end, LaBryan Ray has been practicing and has a “chance of playing.” Nick Saban said,

"LaBryan Ray, probably a little more probable … He’s been able to practice some this week and hopefully we’ll get some contribution from him."

Not having Moore would be a blow to the Crimson Tide defense. While Branch played well in the semi-final, he does not have the game experience of Moore, who earned Freshman All-American honors.

From COVID issues for Ohio State to Justin Fields’ ribs to the doubts about Waddle and Moore, the unknowns will not become knowns until the game begins.