Alabama Practice Report 9/3: Jackson Still Playing With First Team

Alabama continued its preparations for Florida Atlantic on Wednesday afternoon outside on the Thomas-Drew Practice Fields. The Crimson Tide practiced in full pads in 95-degree heat.

Observations:

- Sophomore cornerback Eddie Jackson (knee) practiced with the first-team defense for the second day in a row. Junior Cyrus Jones worked opposite of him at the other cornerback position.

“We're going to start investing some reps in him,” Alabama coach Nick Saban said on Monday. “Then we'll decide later in the week whether we think he's OK to go or not (against Florida Atlantic).”

Junior Bradley Sylve, who started alongside Jones in the season opener against West Virginia, has since been working with the second-team defense. Freshman Tony Brown was the other corner with the second-team.

- Defensive back Geno Smith appears to be the main replacement for Jarrick Williams (foot) at “Star” as he continues to practice with the first-team defense at the position.

“Jarrick Williams had a Jones fracture in his foot, which I didn’t know anything about after the game,” Saban said. “He said his foot was hurt and he did an X-ray – he actually finished the game. They put a screw in it (Sunday), so he’ll be four weeks for sure, and then we’ll kind of see where he goes from there.”

- Senior linebacker Trey DePriest continues to work with the first team again after a “minor NCAA infraction” forced him to sit out against West Virginia. Saban reaffirmed on the SEC coaches’ teleconference Wednesday morning that DePriest will play against Florida Atlantic. Reggie Ragland was the other first-team inside linebacker.

- At right guard, Alphonse Taylor has been practicing with the first team since Monday with Leon Brown working behind him. Brown started at the position against West Virginia, though Taylor split reps with him during the game.

- Dominick Jackson and Grant Hill have been in opposite positions all week with the second-team offensive line. Jackson is usually listed at left tackle and Hill at right tackle.

- Tight end Brian Vogler was limited in practice for the second straight day. He has dealt with a nagging ankle injury since the start of fall camp.

- Blake Sims is still the leader at quarterback, followed by Jake Coker.

Next:

Saban and selected players will be made available to speak to reporters after practice.

Here's a couple videos from Wednesday's practice: