Nick Saban provides injury updates for starters before SEC Championship

As Alabama prepares for the SEC Championship showdown against Georgia, Nick Saban continues providing updates on several key injuries to starters. Among the players looking to make a return on Saturday, running back Brian Robinson, center Darrian Dalcourt and Jalyn Armour-Davis provide the most value in the lineup.

Nick Saban spoke about several injuries during his Thursday press conference, providing a more clear picture of the availability of several key starters dealing with injury management.

Nick Saban on Brian Robinson

Brian Robinson’s injury is perhaps most concerning due to the other losses Alabama has experienced at the position. By the end of the regular season, the Crimson Tide’s only healthy running back was sophomore Trey Sanders.

“We’re doing some things with him today in practice and we’ll see how he responds,” Saban said. “It’s going to be day-to-day. So we’ll just have to see how it goes.”

If Robinson is unable to go – and no others return from injury – Sanders will take the bulk of Alabama’s carries with an assist from emergency running backs Slade Bolden, DeMouy Kennedy and Christian Leary. Bolden and Leary would work primarily in the passing game as natural wide receivers and Kennedy is a converted linebacker who provides a make-shift power option if needed.

Nick Saban on Darrian Dalcourt

Darrian Dalcourt stepped in as Alabama’s starting center this season, with former center Chris Owens moving to right tackle. When Damieon George took over the right tackle spot, Dalcourt remained, but injuries and underwhelming protection on the right side led Owens back to right tackle with Seth McLaughlin at center.

“Pretty much the same situation as BRob is in,” Saban said. “He’s been able to practice on a limited basis, and we’ll see what he can do today and how he responds to it. It’s going to be a day-to-day situation as well.”

Nick Saban on Jalyn Armour-Davis

Saban has also monitored Jalyn Armour-Davis throughout the week, a decision made easier by standout freshman Kool-Aid McKinstry, who made a key deflection in overtime against Auburn.

“He’s been able to do just a limited amount of things,” Saban said. “He doesn’t play a position where if he’s not full speed, he could be expected to play. But we’re still going to sort of look at him on a day-to-day basis and see how he progresses. So we’re just going to have to wait and see.”

If Armour-Davis is unable to go, expect more from McKinstry across from Josh Jobe. The freshman emerged in Week 12 against Arkansas as Jobe’s replacement before filling in for Armour-Davis on Saturday.

Other injuries

In addition to SEC Championship week injury updates Nick Saban provides on key starters, he spoke about two contributors as well. Fullback Robbie Ouzts and wide receiver JoJo Earle have worked situationally and on special teams throughout the season before suffering injuries.

“Robbie Ouzts has a stress fracture in his foot, so he’s not going to be able to play in the game,” Saban said. “JoJo is making progress, but I don’t think enough to be able to play in the game at this point. But probably will be back sometime shortly.”