Nick Saban gives update on DJ Dale, Jaheim Oatis injuries

No. 6 Alabama was down to as few as four defensive linemen available in its recent win over Mississippi State according to Nick Saban, with DJ Dale and Jameim Oatis injuries significantly limiting the Crimson Tide’s options on the interior of the defensive line.

But Saban provided good news on the defensive tackles on Monday, following the team’s bye week. Both could return this week against No. 15 LSU.

“I think both guys are going to start back to practice this week,” Saban said. “We’ll kind of determine how they do during the course of the week and what their availability will be when the game comes.”

Both Dale and Oatis missed the Mississippi State game with undisclosed injuries.

Oatis, a 6-foot-5, 248-pound freshman, has recorded 20 tackles, 1.5 tackles for a loss, a sack, two quarterback hurries and a pass breakup while playing in seven games. Dale has logged eight tackles, 2.0 tackles for a loss and 2.0 sacks while appearing in seven games.

Their availability would be a significant boost against an LSU running game powered by dual-threat quarterback Jayden Daniels. Daniels has run for 165 yards and six touchdowns in his last two outings.

The Tigers average 183.3 yards per game on the ground.

DJ Dale, Jaheim Oatis make big impact beyond the stats

In Alabama’s defense, the interior defensive tackles don’t often get a ton of praise. Neither DJ Dale nor Jaheim Oatis has put up huge numbers, instead helping occupy blockers to allow the Crimson Tide edge rushers more free rein.

That, of course, has paid plenty of dividends.

Super star edge rusher Will Anderson is virtually impossible to block, while Dallas Turner has also had a big year on the edge. Even younger players like Chris Braswell have felt the impact.

Braswell talked just last week about how fun it is to fly around with Anderson and Turner on defense, something the play of the defensive tackles has allowed.

“It’s great playing with those guys,” Braswell said. “Being able to be on the field at the same time at times. It’s fun. We always talk about playing on the field with each other. It’s a great thing to be out there with those guys. Just got to continue to get better and play better defense.”