Alabama Football: So far Crimson Tide lucky with injuries
By Ronald Evans
Alabama Football injury news while not fully disclosed has been mostly positive in fall camp. Now less than 10 days from the Tide’s first game week, the biggest concerns are about two guys. Both of them; Kendall Randolph and DeMarcco Hellams have ankle sprains. On Wednesday, Nick Saban described their status as day-to-day.
Saban’s vagueness may not be purposeful. The amount of time to recover from an ankle sprain varies by severity and the position played. An offensive lineman, like Randolph, can sometimes play with a heavily taped ankle. Defensive backs, like Hellams, rely on quick responses to receivers and that is tough on a gimpy ankle.
There has been no mention of a ‘high’ sprain for either and importantly no mention of a need for tightrope surgery. Both players could be fine for the Miami game and almost certainly will be okay two weeks later for the Florida Gators.
There is no other ‘bad’ injury news. LaBryan Ray, recovering from another injury is disappointing, but if he misses the opener, he should return later in September. Crimson Tide fans are sorry for the often injured young man, but the defensive line is deep with replacements.
One Crimson Tide player is out for the season. There have been few details but Nick Saban reported, Xavier Williams will not play this season for medical reasons. Even less information is available on defensive lineman, Braylen Ingraham. Ingraham, who had a spring injury, has not been seen at any practices this season.
On the good news side of Alabama Football injuries, all indications are running back Trey Sanders is not only healthy but performing at a high level. Some Alabama football insiders believe Sanders is the Crimson Tide’s most complete back.
More fall good news is the dinged up knees that kept Evan Neal and Chris Owens out of the first scrimmage are not serious. Both of the offensive linemen practiced this week. Shane Lee also missed some time but appears to be fine.
Alabama Football replacements for Randolph and Hellams
If a new starter is needed at right tackle in the opener, it is not clear who will step up. It could be sophomore Damieon George Jr or true freshman, J.C. Latham or a new name could come out of Saturday’s scrimmage. The most probable fill-in for Hellams is Brian Branch.
Nick Saban says Brian Branch has had a “really, really good camp” and has “done a really, really good camp.” Saban adds he’s played every position in the secondary but “in fairness in him, we need to put him someplace and get him reps so he can feel good at playing fast."
— Mike Rodak (@mikerodak) August 18, 2021
That someplace for Branch will probably be safety, as long as Hellams is recovering. Of course, Branch was already expected to be a starter in dime packages. If Hellams misses a game, it could lead to that sixth defensive back being Kool-Aid McKinstry, Terrion Arnold or Khyree Jackson. All three of them have earned fall camp praise.
Next. Tide Offense has time to develop. dark
The injury situation could change with any practice and the hard-hitting of Saturday’s scrimmage will present some added risk, but so far, it is fair to conclude Tide players have been less vulnerable to injuries than in the past. Changes in the practice regimen have something to do with that, as do equipment changes such as padded practice helmets. Tide fans also credit Matt Rhea and David Ballou for fewer, serious injuries.