Nick Saban provides injury updates on Jahmyr Gibbs, Eli Ricks after Ole Miss victory

As Alabama battled back to defeat Ole Miss Saturday night, Jahmyr Gibbs was noticeably absent in the second half. Nick Saban revealed why after the game.

Gibbs suffered a twisted ankle, Saban told reporters, according to AL.com’s Mike Rodak. Additionally, Saban said Eli Ricks suffered a head injury early on in the game, which is why he didn’t return.

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Gibbs has been one of the biggest pieces of the Alabama offense this year after transferring from Georgia Tech, leading the Crimson Tide with 771 rushing yards and six touchdowns entering Saturday’s game. He has also proven to be a key weapon in the passing game, ranking second on the roster with 365 yards to go with three touchdowns through the first nine games of the season.

Ricks, in his first season with Alabama after transferring from LSU, entered play Saturday with five tackles and four passes defended to his name.

During the game, CBS sideline reporter Jenny Dell addressed why Gibbs didn’t play in the second half, saying staffers told her he was available to come back in if needed.

“He hasn’t been on the field at all in the second half,” Dell said. “He’s been patiently waiting on the sidelines with his helmet on. I asked Alabama personnel and was told that he is healthy and available. So, questions around that.”

Nick Saban ‘proud’ of Alabama’s performance against Ole Miss

The crisis is over in Tuscaloosa as Alabama is back in the win column. It was a ranked win against Ole Miss on the road, as Nick Saban has another victory over a former assistant. While there might have not been national championship implications on the line, both teams desperately wanted the win.

Emotion was on the face of Saban once the game was decided, something we do not usually see. You could tell this one meant something to him and he explained so during his postgame interview with CBS. Saban said he’s “so proud” of his players for putting in an impressive performance in the second half.

“Our guys really competed in this game,” Saban said. “They really played hard in the second half. I mean, we really stubbed our toe in the first half. Just kept playing the next play. That’s the kind of identity we really want to establish in the program. I’m so proud of these players for what they did tonight. Ole Miss played a really good game.”