Saban provides updates on Deontae Lawson, Terrence Ferguson, Jermaine Burton
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Two of Alabama’s injured players have returned to practice, but whether or not they are available for Saturday’s road game at Texas A&M remains to be seen.
Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban, talking on the SEC coaches teleconference, was asked about inside linebacker Deontae Lawson (ankle) and offensive lineman Terrence Ferguson.
“Both guys are able to practice,” said Saban before Wednesday’s practice. “We probably won’t know how effective they will be for the game until later in the week.”
Lawson exited the Ole Miss game early in the second quarter, and after spending time in the sideline medical tent, he walked to the locker room with a limp and did not return to the game. The redshirt sophomore is Alabama’s signal-caller on the defensive side of the ball.
With Lawson out, Alabama turned to Jihaad Campbell and Trezmen Marshall in the middle of its defense; Kendrick Blackshire also rotated in at the position. Campbell replaced Lawson at the Will linebacker position and recorded a team-high 14 tackles and an interception.
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Ferguson also left the SEC opener with an injury. He replaced Darrian Dalcourt at right guard in the second quarter but had to leave with an injury of his own before the half. Dalcourt was able to return to the field, while Ferguson remained in the locker room and hasn’t played.
In addition to Lawson and Ferguson, Saban also gave an update on wide receiver Jermaine Burton, who only played a handful of snaps in the Tide’s Week 5 win over Mississippi State.
“He’s been a little bit banged up,” Saban said. “We were going to try to spot him in the game and get him through the game if we could. Hopefully, he’ll be better this week.”
After starting the first four games of the 2023 season, Burton was not in the starting lineup last week against Mississippi State – Malik Benson, Isaiah Bond and Kendrick Law were the starting trio. Burton did play but only offensive nine snaps, according to Pro Football Focus, and did not record a reception in the 40-17 win over the Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium.
Alabama will next play on the road at Texas A&M on Saturday, Oct. 7 (2:30 p.m. on CBS).
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