Nick Saban calls Alabama RB Jase McClellan 'questionable' vs. Georgia
One of Alabama’s key offensive skill players, running back Jase McClellan, is heading into the SEC Championship Game against Georgia a bit banged up. And his status for Saturday is still yet to be fully sussed out.
McClellan is reportedly dealing with a foot injury that was recently re-aggravated. Speaking at the SEC Championship Game teleconference conference on Thursday, Saban updated McClellan’s status days before kickoff.
“He’s not been able to do a lot. So, we’ll see how he does today, where he is and I’d say that we’d have to say he’s probably questionable for the game at this point but I think it’s probably too early to tell,” Saban said.
This has been the most productive year of McClellan’s college career on the ground as he’s carried 166 times for 803 yards and six touchdowns. He has slightly ticked back as a pass catcher.
Georgia enters Saturday banged up, too
Georgia will go into the SEC Championship Game with an injury report that will cause some nerves, with star offensive players Ladd McConkey and Brock Bowers both on it.
In addition to those two, receiver Rara Thomas and offensive lineman Tate Ratledge have also been banged up.
Smart was asked about the availability for all four on Thursday during an SEC Championship Game teleconference call.
“Great question because I’m trying to figure that out myself,” Smart said. “I don’t have a lot more answers now than I had on Monday. They have not been able to do a lot. Each one has worked kind of independently.”
Brock Bowers is one of the biggest mismatches in the country, while McConkey has been a steady presence in the passing game for quarterback Carson Beck. Bowers has led the team in receiving with 661 yards and six touchdowns, while McConkey has racked up 418 yards and two touchdowns receiving.
Smart broke down who has done what among the group of four.
“Tate has done some drill work, some 11-on-11 stuff,” he said. “Brock sprinkled in some of that. The other guys have been able to run and do some things, but we’re going to find out today what their availability is, to be honest. It’s tough.”
Smart also indicated his displeasure with some of the narrative surrounding the absence of those key players in the regular-season finale against Georgia Tech.
“It bothers me that people have said out there that we sat these guys for the last game,” Smart said. “That wasn’t the case at all. They couldn’t go. And I don’t know if they’re going to be able to go in this game. It’s just unfortunate to have those kind of injuries, especially four starters on offense.”