Redshirt sophomore Wolf LB Qua Russaw has been out for over a month since suffering an injury during Alabama's win over Georgia in Athens at the end of September. Russaw underwent surgery to repair a broken foot shortly after the game.
There's been no timetable for his return thus far, with Kalen DeBoer only hinting after the announcement of his surgery that the injury would not be season-ending. As of a Monday update, it sure sounds like Russaw is close to making his return for the Crimson Tide.
"Qua's doing a really good job right now," Kane Wommack said. "Our training staff has done a tremendous job with him and preparing him to get back as soon as possible. And he has done a great job of pushing and is hitting all the markers he needs to hit. Certainly, we anticipate him to be back sooner than later."
DeBoer later added that Russaw "probably" would not be ready to go this weekend against LSU, but said his rehab has been "very promising."
With that in mind, it sounds like Russaw could be back as early as next week when Oklahoma comes to Tuscaloosa in a massive matchup.
Qua Russaw's return alongside Yhonzae Pierre's emergence could buoy Alabama's pass rush
The absence of Russaw, along with the season-ending injury to Jah-Marien Latham, has forced redshirt sophomore Yhonzae Pierre to grow up quickly. Pierre has flourished in their absences, emerging not only as a pass rusher but as a genuine every-down player in Wommack's defense.
Pierre had his breakout performance against Tennessee, racking up three sacks on Vols QB Joey Aguilar to help lead the Crimson Tide to a 17-point win at home.
Pierre will still have a huge role when Russaw returns. He may even maintain the starting spot as Wommack and DeBoer keep Russaw on more of a pitch-count to keep him healthy. But his return will give Wommack some creative options to explore to get both him and Pierre on the field at the same time to rush the passer.
In obvious passing downs, putting them on either edge and turning them loose to rush the passer would give Alabama the best opportunity to bolster a pass rush that has been inconsistent this year. There's been some steady improvements on that front, mainly thanks to Pierre, but Russaw's return could take it up a notch.
Slide in LT Overton and maybe Keon Keeley on the inside, and Alabama should be able to produce consistent pressure with only four guys rushing. That's been the secret sauce for the defense to perform at the level it is capable of.