Nick Saban provides injury updates for Jase McClellan, Kool-Aid McKinstry

In two weeks the College Football Playoff kicks off as the nation’s top four teams will compete for a national championship. But the next two weeks also give the teams some more time for any of their banged-up or injured players to recover a little bit more before kickoff.

Two players that fit into that mold are Alabama running back Jase McClellan and cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry, who unquestionably would have a big impact in the Crimson Tide’s CFP Semifinal matchup with top-ranked Michigan at the Rose Bowl.

Alabama head coach Nick Saban provided injury updates for both of his star players on Monday, starting with McClellan who missed the SEC Championship game with a foot injury.

“He’s getting better, I think it’s probably still too early to tell,” Saban said. “He’s getting ready to do dry land running and some things so he’ll progress through the rest of the week and we’ll see where he lands by the end of the week.”

McClellan was dealing with a nagging injury following Alabama’s down-to-the-wire win over rival Auburn, and after suiting up and warming up ahead of the SEC title game against Georgia, he was not able to go against the Bulldogs. He’s been the Crimson Tide’s leading rusher this season with 803 rushing yards and six scores this year, and if he’s unable to go against the Wolverines, Alabama will likely have to rely on Roydell Williams yet again at running back.

McClellan’s status still seems questionable with the playoff looming. But McKinstry’s is not, with Saban being asked if he’s completed concussion protocol and is back with the team after suffering a concussion in the SEC championship game.

“Yeah, he is,” Saban said. “He’s doing fine.”

McKinstry left the conference title game in the third quarter after also visiting the medical tent following a hit to the head or neck area. But after clearing protocol, the All-American will more than likely be in the lineup for Alabama’s defense opposite cornerback Terrion Arnold, a duo that many are calling the best in college football.