Alabama cornerback Eli Ricks still in locker room after first half injury

Alabama is dealing with an injury during Saturday’s ranked matchup against Ole Miss. Cornerback Eli Ricks was injured on the very first play of the game, taking a tough hit across the middle of the field. CBS sideline reporter Jenny Dell said he is back in the locker room but no specific injury is known yet.

“For Eli, he took that tough hit on the first play of the game,” said Dell. “I’ll keep you posted if I hear more.”

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Since Ricks left the game, Terrion Arnold has been taking over as the second cornerback. It’s not been pretty for the youngster, with Kiffin figuring out they will be able to throw at him. Alabama will be hoping Ricks can get back into the game as soon as possible.

If Ricks does remain out of the game, this will not be unfamiliar territory for the Crimson Tide. He did not become a major contributor in defensive coordinator Pete Golding’s unit until the Mississippi State game, still getting used to the system in Tuscaloosa. He has been a bright spot since then, performing well as Arnold’s replacement.

Ricks moved into the program for LSU, coming in with a ton of hype. He was already attached to All-American lists while in Baton Rouge and was hoping to bring the same across the SEC West. The success was not immediate but in the two full games playing, the results have been positive.

Results are not the concern right now, though, as Alabama will want Ricks to get back healthy. Next week is a game against Austin Peay before the all-important Iron Bowl matchup against in-state arch-rival, the Auburn Tigers. There is still plenty of both Ricks and the Crimson Tide to play for.