Nick Saban provides key Crimson Tide injury updates ahead of Iron Bowl

Alabama is set to wrap up the regular season on Saturday in the annual Iron Bowl on Saturday, and coach Nick Saban provided several key Crimson Tide injury updates ahead of the big rivalry showdown.

Saban was first asked about left tackle Tyler Steen, who left the team’s game against Austin Peay on Saturday and did not return.

“Yeah, he’s practiced,” Saban said. “He’s practiced.”

Then, as if remembering the lesson Saban gave reporters about the Alabama injury report following that Austin Peay game on Saturday, another reporter chimed in for follow-up updates on the likes of running back Jahmyr Gibbs (ankle), cornerback Eli Ricks (head) and tight end Cameron Latu (ankle).

“Yeah, they’ve all practiced,” Saban said.

Crimson Tide injury updates positive, Alabama looking to manage emotions

With the key Crimson Tide injury updates very favorable for Alabama and the Tide potentially getting back some real difference-makers on both sides of the ball, Saban’s squad should be itching to finish things off right.

Alabama has only lost two games by the narrowest of margins — both on the road — and will be looking to cinch a New Year’s Six bowl berth.

Showing up against an Auburn team that’s been playing much better of late is the task at hand. And there will probably be a little extra juice for this one.

“They’re all big games. This is obviously a rivalry game, which makes it a special game and a special challenge,” Saban said.

“We’ve tried all year long to get our players to focus on being motivated internally in terms of what they want to accomplish, what they want to do, how good they want to be rather than focusing on external factors to create that motivation for them. But, I think in games like this, there’s going to be some external factors that may be a positive for some of the guys. I can’t discount that.”

Alabama and Auburn are slated for a 3:30 p.m. ET kickoff on Saturday with a broadcast on CBS.