Nick Saban provides health update on Alabama WR Tyler Harrell

Alabama faithful have been hoping to see freshly-minted Crimson Tide wide receiver Tyler Harrell make his debut for the program this weekend, but Nick Saban revealed it likely isn’t in the cards.

During the SEC Coaches Teleconference on Wednesday, Saban stated that Harrell will miss Alabama’s game against UL Monroe on Saturday.

“He has not been able to practice this week,” stated Saban. “He will not play in this game.”

Afterwards, Saban cited the foot injury that Harrell has been dealing with as the reason why. Then, the Crimson Tide leader ended his response with a statement of hope, wanting Harrell back on the field as soon as possible.

“Hopefully he’ll be back sometime soon,” stated Saban.

Moreover, Harrell was part of an impressive portal haul for Saban and the Crimson Tide, coming in as the No. 66 transfer to hit the portal during the last cycle, according to the 2021 On3 Transfer Portal Rankings. Last season at Louisville, he totaled 523 receiving yards and six touchdowns before transferring to Alabama.

He joined a wide receiver room that now includes former Georgia wideout Jermaine Burton, one of three top-10 transfers Alabama landed. Running back Jahmyr Gibbs and cornerback Eli Ricks were also highly ranked over the offseason as Saban and company built off last season’s national championship appearance.

Nick Saban details 4th quarter confidence in Bryce Young

Continuing, Alabama barely survived a trip to Austin unscathed, beating Texas, 20-19, thanks to some late heroics from quarterback Bryce Young and clutch kicks from Will Reichard. After the game, head coach Nick Saban said his confidence in those two was never in doubt.

Young led Alabama down the field on back-to-back go-ahead scoring drives in the fourth quarter, including a drive with less than two minutes to set up a game-winning field goal for Reichard. Saban didn’t have a doubt in either.

“I knew he’d do a good job in 2-minute. He always does,” Saban said postgame according to SI’s Ross Dellenger.

Young, for his part, was his usual cool, collected self in the critical moments. He said as much after the game.

“That’s where we love to be at. I feel comfortable in those position,” Young said.

Young was held in check most of the day by a voracious Texas defense. But he managed to produce some late-game magic to save help save the day for the tide, with a big assist from Reichard.

“Game winner today. I had total confidence in him,” Saban said.