ESPN reporter provides update on Alabama offensive line for national championship game

The Alabama Crimson Tide is dealing with some injuries on the offensive line heading into the national championship against Georgia. Both right guard Emil Ekiyor and right tackle Chris Ownes have been struggling with injuries.

ESPN reporter Holly Rowe was able to provide updates on both of the offensive linemen a few hours before kickoff. She provided news fans of the Crimson Tide will want to hear.

“Leading into game time, we do have a few injury updates for you,” Rowe said on ESPN. “There were some major questions along the Alabama offensive front, both at right guard and right tackle. I can tell you at various periods this week, I have seen all projected starters for Alabama practice here in Indianapolis. So Alabama should be at full strength for this game tonight.”

Both Ekiyor (shoulder) and Owens (ankle) suffered their injuries against Cincinnati in the Cotton Bowl. Neither returned to the game and has been working their way toward being healthy.

Much of the discussion to the lead-up of the national championship has been Georgia’s defensive front. The group has been dominant this season and is a big reason why the Bulldogs are playing in Indianapolis on Monday.

Alabama was able to combat them well in the SEC championship back in December and will need to again to lift a trophy on Monday night. Having both Ekiyor and Owens back in the lineup will do nothing but help the Crimson Tide.

Outside of the offensive line, the reigning national champions are relatively healthy. There is one exception, where Alabama is going to be thin at the cornerback position according to head coach Nick Saban.

“Nick Saban says ‘nobody is talking about the two corners we have lost,'” Rowe said. “They are down to their fourth and fifth string corners starting this game tonight. That’s something to keep your eye for the Crimson Tide.”

Another key to the game will be stopping the passing game of Georgia and quarterback Stetson Bennett. Nobody outside of the Crimson Tide has been able to so far this season. Being down some cornerbacks will hurt but if anyone can recover with its depth, it’s Alabama.