Nick Saban offers injury update on two key defenders

Nick Saban offered an injury update on cornerbacks Josh Jobe and Jalyn Armour-Davis ahead of Alabama’s conference-opener matchup with the Florida Gators

“They played,” Saban said. “They practiced all the plays, they’re out there playing every day so seems like they’re ok to me.”

Jobe and Armour-Davis missed Alabama’s home opener against Mercer. The Crimson Tide didn’t miss a beat, rolling past the Bears 48-14.

In their absence, Marcus Banks and Kool-Aid McKinstry made their first starts for the Crimson Tide. McKinstry, a five-star true freshman, recorded his first interception on Saturday along with six tackles. Banks, a third-year sophomore, recorded an interception of his own to go with four tackles.

Josh Jobe is in his fourth season at Alabama and broke out in 2020, playing in 13 games, finishing with 55 tackles, two sacks and 11 passes deflected.

Armour-Davis is in his fourth season at Alabama and is in his first season in a featured role. Armour-Davis missed his freshman year. In 2018, Armour-Davis played in eight games, recording two tackles. Last season, Armour-Davis contributed on special teams and in the secondary, recording two tackles.

Saban offered update on Will Anderson Jr.

Saban offered an update on one of the top defenders in the country in Will Anderson Jr, who went down with an injury in Alabama’s win over Mercer.

“Will did practice yesterday and we’re taking it day-by-day,” Saban said during Wednesday’s SEC coaches teleconference. “If he continues to make improvement throughout the rest of the week, he could certainly play in the game.”

There is a plan in place should Anderson be unable to go Saturday.

“If he doesn’t play in the game, we have several others that have played consistent at the position – (Chris) Braswell and Dallas Turner,” Saban continued. “We’ve already lost Chris Allen at the position, and both those guys are unique players and I’m not sure you really replace them. But these other guys are capable. They’re young guys, don’t have the same amount of experience, but we’re certainly confident they can go in and do a good job for us.”

Anderson is one of the top pass rushers in college football. He finished third in the SEC with seven sacks and third with 10.5 tackles for loss last season, earning him freshman All-American honors. Anderson also blocked a kick in the College Football Playoff. He also totaled 34 tackles and forced a fumble as a freshman.