Nick Saban provides injury update on Eli Ricks, Khyree Jackson

Speaking after Alabama’s scrimmage on Saturday, Nick Saban provided a quick update on the health of two injured cornerbacks: Eli Ricks and Khyree Jackson. Jackson managed to participate in the scrimmage, while Ricks was ultimately held out.

“Eli dressed out, went through warmups, but we held him out because he really hadn’t practiced. And — but I think he’ll be ready to go on Tuesday,” Saban said.

Ricks, a transfer to Alabama from SEC west rival LSU, has been held out since last Saturday’s scrimmage with what Saban described as a “little back problem” and not something that would keep Ricks sidelined for long. With Tuesday floated as a return date for Ricks, that seems to be the case.

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Jackson participated in most but not all of the Saturday scrimmage, Saban said. This came after he worked back into practice later in the week.

“Khyree scrimmaged, about, I’d say two thirds of the time, maybe three quarters of the time,” Saban said. “He’s making progress. He was able to practice the last two days, Thursday and Friday, probably about half the time. So he’s making progress, and I thought he did a nice job today when he was in there.”

Of course losing any player for any time during camp is a detriment, but the good news for Alabama, Ricks and Jackson is it seems, barring any setbacks, all will be good to go come Sept. 3.

A high-profile transfer, Ricks is vying for a starting job

Ricks was one of the highest-profile transfer portal additions for Alabama this offseason. As he competes for the starting cornerback job, he’s been off the field for a week now.

Ricks is dealing with a back injury, Saban told reporters in a press conference on Wednesday. The former LSU cornerback is competing for the starting cornerback job and was the No. 8 transfer to hit the portal this offseason, according to the 2021 On3 Transfer Portal Rankings.

However, Saban sounded optimistic about a quick return for Ricks as he comes back from the injury.

“He hasn’t been able to practice since the scrimmage,” Saban said. “He’s got a little back problem. I don’t think it’s anything that’s going to keep him out for a long time.”