Nick Saban provides update on injured starters ahead of Cotton Bowl

Nick Saban provided an update on two injured Alabama starters ahead of the Cotton Bowl. Prior to Friday’s showdown, Saban gave a status report on defensive back Jalyn Armour-Davis and wide receiver JoJo Earle.

“I don’t think there are any issues among players available,” stated Saban. “Jalyn Armour‑Davis has practiced some. We will make a game‑time decision on whether he’s able to play. And he’ll certainly ‑‑ he’s a mature player, and he knows whether he can go out there and do his job.

“And JoJo Earle has practiced as well. We will make game‑time decisions on how much those guys are able to participate.”

Facing Cincinnati star quarterback Desmond Ritter, the return of Armour-Davis would be a huge boost to the Alabama secondary. In 2021, the defensive back started the first ten games for the Crimson Tide prior to suffering a hip injury that caused him to miss the previous two.

On the season, Armour-Davis is tied for the lead in interceptions for the Crimson Tide — picking off three passes. Additionally, Armour-Davis has four pass breakups on the year.

On the other hand, Earle would give Alabama a nice boost on the offensive side of the ball. While the wide receiver was present in warmups for the SEC Championship, he didn’t receive any playing time in the game.

After the injury to John Metchie III, Earle could see an uptick in his playing time. On the season, Earle has twelve receptions for 148 yards.

Nick Saban reveals players made striking decision ahead of Cotton Bowl

Nick Saban revealed his team made a striking decision ahead of the Cotton Bowl. Instead of celebrating their accomplishment in Dallas ahead of the Cotton Bowl, the Crimson Tide decided not to leave the team hotel.

“Nick Saban reiterates the players voted to not leave the team hotel,” tweeted Alabama beat reporter Charlie Potter. “‘You’re not gonna remember what you did on Tuesday night in Dallas three months from now, three weeks from now or three years from now. But you’ll remember for the rest of your life what happens in the game,’” stated Saban.

As COVID resurges throughout the country, Saban has to be thrilled with his team’s decision on the Cotton Bowl. Evidently, Alabama can see their goals directly ahead of them — the Crimson Tide aren’t risking anything.

The focus is squarely on the Cotton Bowl, and defeating the Cincinnati Bearcats. There’s a difference between business and pleasure — Alabama is treating the Cotton Bowl like a business trip.