Crimson Tide receives incredible game-day news ahead of matchup against Sooners

The Alabama Crimson Tide was set to take on yet another ranked opponent in a season that felt filled to the brim with monster after monster of elite teams on the other side of the field.

Then, just hours before No. 4 Alabama kicked off against the No. 11 Oklahoma Sooners, the Tide received the news they had their fingers crossed for.

When the Sooners released their injury report on Friday, the team's sack leader, R Mason Thomas, was officially listed as "DOUBTFUL," but on Saturday morning, ESPN's Pete Thamel said a final decision likely wouldn't be made until right before the game.

Sooners riddled with injuries for must-win game vs Alabama

Thomas isn't the only Oklahoma player who will be stuck on the sidelines as the Sooners play their must-win matchup against the Crimson Tide, which was ideal for Alabama.

Oklahoma released a lengthy injury list when they shared their availability report on Friday. Running backs Jovantae Barnes and Taylor Tatum were both listed as out, alongside defensive back Kendel Dolby, and offensive linemen Troy Everett, Jacob Sexton, and Jake Taylor.

Defensive back Gentry Williams was also listed as doubtful alongside Thomas, and defensive lineman Jayden Jackson was reported as questionable.

Meanwhile, only five players for Alabama were labeled as out, including linebackers Jah-Marien Latham and Abduall Sanders Jr., defensive back Dre Kirkpatrick Jr., tight end Danny Lewis Jr., and Jeremiah Beaman.

Linebackers Qua Russaw and Cayden Jones were listed as questionable, and in great news, defensive back DaShawn Jones was reported as probable.

If Alabama head coach Kalen DaBoer could buy any extra time for quarterback Ty Simpson against the elite Oklahoma pass rush, he would. The news that Thomas was a game-time decision but likely wouldn't be suiting up was music to the Crimson Tide's ears.

Alabama and Oklahoma were scheduled to kick off at 2:30 p.m. CT on Saturday, Nov. 15, and fans on both sides of the aisle would have to wait until then to see if Thomas was playing or not.