In the third quarter of Alabama's 31-13 win over LSU, star QB Keelon Russell limped off the field and went straight into the injury tent. Backup Austin Mack started warming up, and it looked for a moment like the senior QB might have to come in and try to lead Alabama to a come-from-behind victory with LSU driving and taking the lead.
Russell emerged from the injury tent and went back into the game, leading Alabama to three touchdowns to turn a 13-10 deficit into the 31-13 win.
But while Russell was able to gut out the injury to finish the LSU game, it sounds like there's at least a possibility that the star signal-caller could miss this weekend's matchup in Nashville.
Both Kalen DeBoer and Ryan Grubb discussed Russell's injury and where he stands as Vanderbilt preparation begins.
DeBoer called Russell "day-to-day" and added that the team is confident in Austin Mack if he is needed to play this weekend.
"We've got a lot of confidence if we had to move to Austin at some point," DeBoer said during his Monday press conference.
Grubb added that Russell has already made a quick recovery from an injury during the Texas A&M game and that he is in great hands with Jeff Allen, Alabama's terrific Athletic Trainer.
"I think 48 hours after a football game, 72 hours, is the most critical part to see where he's at and what he's going to be capable of," Grubb said. "But they seem pretty confident that he's gonna be all right."
Alabama's ability to hang on to Austin Mack this offseason may pay dividends against Vanderbilt
When Russell was named the starting QB during fall camp, we wrote about Alabama having a massive luxury with Mack as his backup. Mack has been the ultimate team guy for the Crimson Tide. He could have left this past offseason, knowing he faced an uphill battle to beat out Russell, the 5-star phenom.
But Mack stayed and competed instead. Alabama fans will root for him wherever he lands next year - within reason - as a result.
Mack has stayed ready for a moment. That moment might come this weekend in Nashville. If Russell is limited, Mack might give Alabama the best chance at winning the game. That could also lead to back-to-back starts, with Chattanooga on deck to give Russell two weeks to rest up for the Iron Bowl.
Having a veteran QB like Mack waiting in the wings is a luxury that most teams don't have. Look at how quickly Ohio State has crumbled since Julian Sayin was injured against Indiana, and they had to turn to a true freshman QB.
How Russell responds today and tomorrow will be critical. At a certain point, you have to get the QB who is going to play as many reps as possible to get ready. Fortunately, Mack is a veteran who has been in this system now for four years. He'll be able to get prepared to play on short notice if need be.
Russell's health will be a major storyline this week, particularly if he lands on Alabama's injury report. Based on what DeBoer and Grubb said this week, I'd say that's a relatively safe bet at this point.
That means it might very well be Mack's moment this weekend.
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