Nick Saban Provides Injury Update Ahead of Tennessee Weekend
TUSCALOOSA, Ala.— With just days to go until the much-anticipated rivalry rematch between No. 11 Alabama and No. 15 Tennessee, Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban provided injury updates on both sides of the ball. The report was an ambiguous one, and three players who were recently dealing with injury issues are questionable to play on Saturday.
Veteran safety Malachi Moore, still nursing an ankle injury sustained in Alabama’s 26-20 win over Texas A&M, is questionable this weekend in Tuscaloosa. He did not play in last weekend’s home game against Arkansas. Punter James Burnip, meanwhile, returned to action against the Razorbacks following an injury of his own in College Station.
Linebacker Trezmen Marshall has continued to stake his claim as one of Alabama’s most improved players as the season has gone on. The Georgia transfer was banged up against the Razorbacks, but by his own admission, feels great and wants to be ready for the Volunteers. Tight end C.J. Dippre, whose big catch against South Florida on Sept. 16 helped jumpstart the offense’s first touchdown drive, also got dinged this past weekend. Both have their statuses up in the air for the Third Saturday in October as the team seeks revenge for its first loss in the rivalry series in a decade and a half.
"Both guys [Moore and Dippre] practiced," Saban said. "If they continue to progress like they have, they have a good chance to play. But nobody can predict that right now." He also said offensive lineman Terrence Ferguson is closer to 100% this week than he has been in his quest to get over an ankle strain.
Saban previously said that between Marshall and Dippre, one player suffered a pulled muscle, and the other player was dealing with bruised ribs. Moore had been listed alongside Burnip as a game-time decision before the Crimson Tide played Arkansas.
