Nick Saban gets testy with reporters over injury report

Alabama head coach Nick Saban has been known to have a testy relationship with the media from time to time. On Wednesday afternoon, he clearly wasn’t pleased when a reporter asked him about some preseason injuries to a few of his players and wanted to hear an update on their status heading into the season.

“No different. I’m not going to give an injury report in here every week. Okay?! When those guys are read to play, we’ll let you know. So, they all had significant injuries. Some of them are practicing with blackshirt jerseys. And there’s no real timetable for knowing when they’re going to return,” Saban said in his press conference on Wednesday.

He also took some time to explain the advantages of having Khyree Jackson and Eli Ricks in the same secondary. Saban said Ricks and Jackson bring a unique physicality to the Alabama defense, and that’s going to be a huge help for the Tide this season.

“I think we have two guys that have sort of rare length,” Saban told reporters Wednesday. “[Jackson] and Eli both have really rare length, to be as athletic as they are. But you’ve got to use the length to your advantage. You’ve got to use the length to help you jam people, you’ve got to use the length to help you … bat and swat balls.

“I think Khyree, both guys are certainly learning how to do that and trying to do that to their advantage. I think that kind of size is a little unique to the position, but I think there’s a lot of bigger receivers now, so having guys like that is really kind of a good thing in the long run.”

Nick Saban assesses the play of Tim Smith, Jamil Burroughs ahead of Utah State opener

Nick Saban is also hoping to see more out of defensive linemen Tim Smith and Jamil Burroughs in 2022. Although neither player saw significant playing time a year ago, both are expected to see their roles expand this season.

Smith is listed as a starter according to the Crimson Tide’s Week 1 depth chart, while Burroughs is his backup. Asked about the progress both have made this offseason; Saban was complimentary of both while also remaining realistic.

“Tim Smith has done a really, really good job,” Saban said Wednesday. “He’s had a really good fall camp and has played really well. Jamil Burroughs had a great spring. I think both guys have to go out there and show that they can compete and be consistent in doing their job. Not make mental errors, be disciplined in the way they play up front.

“We think both guys can make a significant contribution. But like all players, especially those that don’t have a lot of experience, it’s interesting to see how they respond when they get in a competitive situation.”

On3’s Nick Schultz also contributed to this article.