It is almost that time. Alabama football will once again face Georgia for the Southeastern Conference championship. Saturday’s game begins at 3 p.m. CT in Atlanta. But who will be active for the Tide and Bulldogs?
Both Nick Saban and Kirby Smart have had to deal with major injuries in the days leading up to the game, which will be the last to air on CBS. When reporters enquired about the coaches’ availability during press briefings, each remained cryptic. So, as both teams took the field approximately 90 minutes before kickoff, eyes swept the area to see who was warming up.
For the Crimson Tide, running back Jase McClellan did light exercises inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium before stretching. When the Tide returned to the field, McClellan wore his helmet and complete outfit but did not play. Instead, he stood near the coaches, clapping his hands together.
Saban said McClellan couldn’t “do a lot” in practice this week after leaving last weekend’s Iron Bowl on crutches. As of Thursday, Saban saw McClellan as “questionable.”
McClellan is the UA’s leading rusher, with 803 yards and six touchdowns. If he is unable to play, senior Roydell Williams and second-year player Jam Miller will take over the backfield duties. Freshman Justice Haynes has also gotten greater playing time in recent weeks, which could play a role in his return to his home state.
Meanwhile, the Bulldogs suffered injuries to Brock Bowers (ankle), Ladd McConkey (ankle), Rara Thomas (foot), and guard Tate Ratledge (knee). Bowers and Thomas were seen on the field, practicing drills and running routes.
Bowers, one of the top offensive weapons in the country, with six touchdown catches and 51 receptions for an average of 73.4 yards per game. McConkey (418) and Thomas (383) rank fourth and fifth in receiving yards, respectively.
Bowers has missed three games this season and was ruled out of last week’s rivalry matchup with Georgia Tech. McConkey, a junior, was limited to 26 receptions and two touchdowns. Thomas was born in Eufaula, Alabama, and has started 11 of 12 games.
Ratledge was able to participate in one-on-one practice this week, according to Smart’s final news conference before the game. Dylan Fairchild, a redshirt sophomore, is listed beneath Ratledge on the depth chart at UGA.
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