Nick Saban Optimistic on Drew Sanders’ Return

Nick Saban spoke to the media at his weekly Monday press conference and provided an update on injured linebacker Drew Sanders ahead of the Crimson Tide's upcoming matchup with LSU.

"Drew Sanders will start practicing this week, and they're going to do further x-rays to see how he's healed," Saban said, "There's a good possibility, we think, that he could be cleared to play this game."

Sanders was injured in the Tide's week five matchup with Ole Miss, and what was thought to be a minor thumb injury, required surgery to fix, and Sanders has been sidelined since.

Get our free mobile app

In his absence, freshman Dallas Turner has started three games, totaling eleven tackles, one of which for a loss.

Prior to injury, Sanders had replaced another injured Bama linebacker in Chris Allen against Miami in week one and had played extremely well. Through the first five games of the year, Sanders found consistent pressure in the backfield and was very solid in pass coverage with two deflections.

Gaining Sanders back ahead of possibly Alabama's toughest stretch of the season would be great for a defense that has struggled in his absence. While Sanders may lack significant playing time, the experience he does have is extremely valuable and could certainly be useful.

Whether or not Sanders will suit up for LSU is still up in the air, but he appears to be recovering from his injury nicely and should be good to go for Bama's last few games.

The Tide take on LSU on November 6th at 6:00 p.m. CST in Bryant-Denny Stadium in what will be Coach Orgeron's last trip to Tuscaloosa in purple and gold. Alabama looks to improve to 8-1 as the Tigers attempt to salvage a rough season.