Nick Saban updates Josh Jobe's status for Cotton Bowl

The Cotton Bowl is two weeks away, but it sounds like Alabama’s going to be down a key weapon.

Cornerback Josh Jobe is “very doubtful” for Alabama’s showdown with Cincinnati on New Year’s Eve, Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban said Wednesday. Jobe has been dealing with turf toe and recently had surgery to try and fix the issue.

Saban also said defensive back Jalyn Armour-Davis will try to play in the game. He injured his hip in warmups prior to last month’s Iron Bowl matchup with Auburn.

“We’re starting practice tomorrow,” Saban said in his Early Signing Day press conference. “Obviously, I don’t know what Jalyn Armour-Davis’ status will be, how much he’ll be able to do in practice, where he will be physically. I know he wants to try and play in the (semifinal) game. Josh Jobe has played with a turf toe all year long and it got to the point where it was very difficult for him to practice and be able to play. So he’s very doubtful for the game.”

Jobe played in 12 games this season and has 38 tackles to his name. He also has two interceptions, including a big one in Alabama’s Iron Bowl win over Auburn in four overtimes last month.

Armour-Davis has a team-high three interceptions this year to go along with 30 tackles. Getting him back would be big for the Crimson Tide against Cincinnati in the Cotton Bowl.

Nick Saban: Alabama created its own path to College Football Playoff

It’s no surprise that Alabama has put together another strong football season, but the Crimson Tide certainly had to overcome some adversity to get to where they are now. Nick Saban’s squad suffered a regular-season loss to Texas A&M and then had to compete at a high level against Georgia in order to make the College Football Playoff – and they did that, dominating against the Bulldogs to spoil their perfect season and earn the No. 1 ranking in the playoff.

Saban reflected on the Tide’s victory over Georgia, saying his players deserve a lot of credit for getting the job done and getting back to the playoff.

“I think it gave us the opportunity to have a two-game season,” Saban said of what the win over Georgia meant. “We have a two-game season now – I hope. That’s what we’re going to work for, that’s what we want to do. These players have worked hard all year long. I think they deserve a lot of respect for what they’ve been able to accomplish and what they’ve been able to do, but at the same time, how are you going to look forward? It’s how do we move forward?

“We’ve created an opportunity for ourself where we have the chance to play in the College Football Playoff. How are we going to prepare? How are we committed to do the things we need to do? Really, really pleased and proud for this team creating an opportunity to be in the playoffs, to play in the playoffs. This is always kind of our goal, so I was really pleased and happy for the players to see them be able to accomplish that goal.”