Alabama Practice Report 10/29: Starting Linebacker Returns to Practice
Alabama concluded its bye week practice work outside on the Thomas-Drew Practice Fields Thursday. The Crimson Tide practiced in full pads. The team also practiced on Tuesday and Wednesday this week.
Observations:
- Alabama linebacker Reuben Foster was back at practice, one day after he was not seen during the media’s lone viewing period of practice.
- Right tackle Dominick Jackson (ankle) missed his third straight day of practice. Alabama coach Nick Saban said on Tuesday that he wasn’t sure if Jackson would be able to play against LSU. Left tackle Cam Robinson sustained the same high ankle sprain injury last year against Tennessee but managed to return in time for the Tigers after initial doubt about his availability.
- Junior Brandon Greene appeared to work in Jackson’s usual role as the first-team right tackle during his absence, with junior reserve Korren Kirven working behind him at the position. Saban said Tuesday that Greene is the backup, but Kirven, as well as starting left guard Ross Pierschbacher, are other potential replacements.
- Freshman safety Ronnie Harrison (ankle) also missed for the third consecutive day. Saban said Tuesday that Harrison should be “OK” by the end of the week.
- Safety Eddie Jackson (sprained knee) continued to wear a brace on his right knee Thursday, which he has worn all week. Unlike Dominick Jackson and Harrison, Jackson hasn’t missed practice this week, though all three left the Tennessee game with injury last Saturday.
- Freshman Xavian Marks, who is listed as a running back on the team’s official roster, continued to practice with the wide receivers. In past weeks he has worked there as a scout-team receiver, but the Crimson Tide hasn't broken out any scout-team jerseys this week because it doesn’t have a game. He has presumably worked there during game weeks this season because his size makes him an ideal candidate to serve as a scout-team slot receiver of an opposing team.
- Practice began around 2:40 p.m. Thursday, an hour earlier than usual. Players often choose to return home on a bye week weekend, so the earlier practice time allows them to leave town sooner. Because The University of Alabama is on its fall break, players didn’t have classes Thursday and won’t have them Friday, either.
Next:
The Crimson Tide has Friday off from practice and, of course, Saturday, too.
Check out a video from Thursday’s practice: