Nate Oats provides injury updates as Alabama enters SEC play against Mississippi State

Alabama starts SEC play with a tough one, facing off against a ranked Mississippi State team. Although the Bulldogs lost its final game before the Christmas break, a sold-out crowd will welcome Nate Oats and his squad to Starkville on Wednesday night.

Before officially tipping off, there are some household injury items Alabama had to deal with. The first of which is Dominick Welch, who has yet to appear in a game this season due to a calf strain.

A snowstorm in his hometown of Buffalo, NY, almost kept him out completely but he was able to get back to Tuscaloosa. No final determination has been made on whether or not he will get his first action in an Alabama uniform.

“Dom was able to get a workout in last night,” Oats said. Practiced with the team today. He’s still dealing with the calf strain. He didn’t go through the full practice today. He went through parts of it to see how he felt. We’re going to see how he feels tomorrow, go through shootaround. And then make a determination if he does play.

If Welch does play, do not expect to see him too much. Calf strains can be tricky and Oats wants to slowly work him into the rotation.

“If he does play tomorrow, he’ll be on a minutes restriction. But, would be nice to get him back.”

Welch came into the program via St. Bonaventure, with Oats adding another great three-point shooter to the roster. He will just be another weapon available once fully healthy.

Noah Clowney returns after missing Jackson State game

Brandon Miller has been the real freshman star for Alabama but right behind him has been forward Noah Clowney. He had to miss the Crimson Tide’s nonconference showdown against Jackson State due to an illness but is set to return according to Oats.

“Clowney was ill,” Oats said. “Clowney is back. We eased him back in. Getting his strength back, putting some weight back on. He lost some weight with the illness. But he’s back, he practicing. He was full-go today. We didn’t limit him with anything today.”

Clowney is averaging 9.5 points and 8.8 rebounds per game in 11 appearances. His best performance of the season came in a huge win over then-No. 1 ranked Houston, having a double-double with 16 points and 11 rebounds.

He has been instrumental defensively as well. A huge player for Oats to get back.