Nick Saban says Justice Haynes is 'doing good' after injury in practice

Justice Haynes, one of the potential impact freshmen for Alabama this year, missed some time earlier this month with an injury. However, Nick Saban confirmed he’s back on the field and expects him to be a key contributor this year.

Saban said Haynes missed a few days of practice, but has since returned. He also reiterated his plans for the former highly touted recruit to make an impact this season, continuing to praise his young running back.

“He’s alright. He’s doing good,” Saban said on Hey Coach and The Nick Saban Show. “He missed probably three or four days, and he missed I think one scrimmage. But he’s been practicing, he’s good. He’s a fine young man and a really good player and one of the freshmen that will make a significant contribution, I think, to the team. And maybe that role will continue to increase as the season goes on. But he’s doing really well.”

Haynes has generated plenty of buzz at camp this year and Saban sang his praises multiple times throughout the spring and summer. A former four-star recruit, he came to Tuscaloosa as the nation’s No. 33-ranked player from the 2023 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

Justice Haynes is adding to an impressive running back group at Alabama

Even during the spring, Saban was impressed by Haynes — and that’s why On3’s Jesse Simonton said he’s different from other freshman who have played under Saban.

“We’re talking about a five-star that emerged right away in spring practice,” Simonton said. “Nick Saban, who at times … throughout his career has been hesitant to really laud praise on players in general, but specifically freshmen. He’s come out and has done the opposite of that with Justice Haynes. He has leaned in heavily that, ‘This guy’s going to be a Day 1 contributor for us.’”

Even beyond Haynes, though, Saban thinks running back could be one of the strongest positions for Alabama this year. Tommy Rees’ offense was known for its ground-and-pound style at Notre Dame, and that could translate with the Crimson Tide running back room.

“I actually think there’s four guys in the running back room that have really done a good job,” Saban said. “Jase [McClellan] has been a really good leader, Roydell [Williams] has always set a really good example. He’s a good special teams player as well as a good runner. Loves to play on teams, loves to do whatever he can to help the team. Jase has really stepped up and set a good example. And the two young players — [Justice] and Jam [Miller] — have done really, really well too. Of course, we have a new addition, the new freshman, but he’s probably a little bit behind the other guys just from a learning curve standpoint.

“But I like all those guys. I think they all have great attitude and I think that’s one of the strongest positions from a depth standpoint on our team.”