Nick Saban updates JoJo Earle return timeline ahead of Arkansas game

Alabama head coach Nick Saban spoke on Wednesday about the return timeline for JoJo Earle ahead of their matchup with Arkansas this week. The sophomore receiver was in uniform and participated in warmups last week against Vanderbilt, but did not see any game action.

JoJo Earle’s return targeted for Arkansas game

Earle suffered a foot fracture on Aug. 10 that initially was supposed to keep him out for 6-8 weeks. Originally, Saban and the Crimson Tide expected this weekend would be his return target — something that Saban believes is still a day-to-day decision.

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“He’s practiced this week. But again, you know everything is day-to-day with these guys that are coming off injuries. It’s not always about just what they were able to do today but how does it affect tomorrow? So we’ll see where he is on a day-to-day basis and have to make a decision about that tomorrow,” said Saban.

Alabama opened conference play with a 55-3 win over Vanderbilt last week and have already played one of the tougher games of their season against Texas on the road. However, No. 20 Arkansas will likely be the biggest challenge they’ve faced yet and having talent like Earle on the field will be a huge relief if he’s good to go.

Saban updates Jordan Battle and Byron Young injury status

In addition to Earle’s status, Jordan Battle and Byron Young both suffered injuries during last week’s game against Vanderbilt and Saban also provided updates on both players.

Battle headed to the injury tent late in the game while appearing to grab at his hamstring while Young suffered a sprained ankle. Saban said both players were out at practice on Wednesday, but he wasn’t ready to declare a status for this week’s matchup against Arkansas as both players are still day to day.

“Both guys practiced some today,” Saban said during his Wednesday press conference. “Hopefully, they’ll both be ready for the game, but it’s day-to-day. When you have these kinds of injuries, it’s always how do they feel the next day, so we’ll see how it goes tomorrow.”