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Will Anderson returns to practice ahead of Florida, still day-to-day

47377776_10156854436900775_2208546246019252224_nby:Clint Lamb•09/15/21•

ClintRLamb

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Only four days ago, Will Anderson’s 2021 season was in doubt. A knee injury against Mercer forced him to leave the game early, and the severity was unknown until Nick Saban spoke to the media on Monday.

The Alabama head coach provided an encouraging update during that session, but Anderson’s status for Florida was still unknown. Fast forward to Wednesday and we now know a bit more.

During the SEC Football Coaches Weekly Teleconference, Saban didn’t rule out the possibility of Anderson suiting up against the Gators.

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“Will did practice yesterday, and we’re taking it day-by-day,” Saban said. “If he continues to make improvement throughout the rest of the week, he certainly could play in the game.”

Considering how things looked on Saturday, this is a best-case scenario playing out. Alabama already lost one of its starting outside linebackers for the season in Christopher Allen. The last thing the defense needed was another long-term hit.

If the Crimson Tide does need to dig into their depth a little more against Florida, Saban at least feels confident in the guys behind Anderson.

RELATED: John Metchie speaks on Florida’s experienced defense

“If he doesn’t play in the game, we have several other players who have played the position — [Chris] Braswell and Dallas Turner,” Saban continued. “We’ve already lost Chris Allen at that position, which (Allen and Anderson) were both very unique players and I’m not sure you really replace them.

“But these other guys are capable. They’re young guys. They don’t have the same amount of experience, but we’re certainly confident that they can go in and do a good job for us.”

Regardless of who is in the lineup, Alabama’s edge players will need to have an impact on Saturday. Florida brings the nation’s top-ranked rushing offense, and a lot of that success comes off-tackle.

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