One of Alabama football’s two previously injured starters was there for the team’s first practice before the Rose Bowl
on Saturday.
As No. 4 UA (12-1, 8-0 SEC) prepared to prepare for No. 1 Michigan in the College Football Playoff Semifinal, head
coach Nick Saban of the Crimson Tide revealed defensive back Kool-Aid McKinstry (concussion) had cleared
protocol and was “fine.”
However, senior running back Jase McClellan had not yet made his way back to the field following an ankle sprain
sustained at the Iron Bowl.
“(McClellan) is improving,” stated Saban. It’s probably still too early to tell, in my opinion. He is preparing to sprint
on dry land and perform other things. He’ll continue to work for the remainder of the week to see where he ends up.
McClellan is the top-ranked running back with 803 yards. In addition, he has six touchdowns via the air. His ankle
sprain, which worsened on Nov. 25 against Auburn, kept him out of UA’s most recent game. Mercedes-Benz Stadium
hosted McClellan’s pregame warm-ups, but he swiftly changed back into street attire following kickoff.
McClellan cheered from the sidelines as Roydell Williams, Jam Miller, and Milroe divided the carries in the
backfield. McClellan averages 61.8 yards per game, but Williams and Miller combined only average slightly over 57
yards per game.
Although the public and media are not permitted during practice, the team has released film of McKinstry going
through drills.
McKinstry, who was selected to two All-American teams by different publications, left the game against Georgia in
the third quarter of Alabama’s SEC Championship game on December 2. Although McKinstry entered the concussion
protocol, according to Saban, the standout defensive back participated in the trophy presentation and the locker
room party by helping DJ.
Alabama substituted Trey Amos as a boundary cornerback for McKinstry. Additionally, Kristian Story gained
additional reps in UA’s nickel defense. Georgia’s opening drive resulted in a touchdown, but Alabama’s defense shut
down the Bulldogs to win the game 27–24.
On Sunday night, the Wolverines received some positive news. After missing Michigan’s decisive victory over Iowa in
the Big 10 Championship game, defensive back Will Johnson—a unanimous All-Big Ten selection—confirmed to The
Michigan Insider that he will “for sure” be on the field in Pasadena.
The Granddaddy of Them All, which features Michigan and Alabama, will take place on January 1 at 4 p.m. CT.
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