Nick Saban provides injury updates on Jaheim Oatis, DJ Dale

Alabama was shorthanded in their bounce-back win against Mississippi State, playing without two key defensive linemen. Both DJ Dale and Jaheim Oatis were out on Saturday, leaving the Crimson Tide thin up the middle. But now, heading into the bye week, Nick Saban hopes both can get back to full health.

Saban provided an update on Dale and Oatis after the win, saying they are considered “day-to-day.” He thinks one will be back for sure before the SEC West showdown against the LSU Tigers and maybe even two. But as for his update on Saturday, Saban thinks it’s too early to tell for now.

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“They’re day-to-day,” Saban said. “But, hopefully, we’ll get one back for sure. Maybe. Maybe both but it’s probably too early to tell.”

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Oatis is just a true freshman but has been someone everyone involved with the program has spoken highly of. Transforming his body during the offseason, Oatis has seen the hard work pay off. He has recorded 20 tackles, 1.5 tackles for a loss, and a sack in seven games.

As a recruit, Oatis was ranked a four-star prospect by the On3 Consensus, a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average that utilizes all four major recruiting services. He was the No. 2 player in his home state of Mississippi and No. 77 on the national scale.

Saban himself has been complimentary of the big man, saying you would never know he’s a freshman based on how he’s performed thus far.

More on DJ Dale

Dale is on the opposite side of the spectrum, being one of the more experienced defensive players Alabama has on its roster. He has been a key contributor in Tuscaloosa for some time now and he is somebody Saban could use during a night game in Death Valley.

This season, Dale has eight tackles, two tackles for a loss, and two sacks in seven games. His best performance of the year came in the loss against Tennessee but that’s also when the injury occurred.

Saban did not specify which one he thinks has a better chance of returning earlier. Alabama may not care which one, as both will be crucial moving forward. They are on thin ice when it comes to the national championship race, needing to win out.