Alabama got through its win over LSU with Keelon Russell still standing, and that was the biggest takeaway from Kalen DeBoer’s injury update on Monday.
Russell appeared to tweak his ankle early in the second half, then headed to the medical tent during an LSU offensive possession. Alabama had Austin Mack warming up as a backup plan, but Russell came back with his ankle taped and kept rolling. He finished the game and kept delivering, including multiple touchdown throws in the second half.
On Monday, DeBoer said the quarterback is still being monitored, but the early read is encouraging.
“You’re weighting how he feels with what the medical staff says as far as we never want to hurt him,” DeBoer said on Monday. “He’s got to go out there and obviously play at a level that can help us win.
We have a lot of confidence if we had to move to Austin [Mack] at some point. He’s day-to-day.
He continued and finished out the game, so that’s a good sign right there. He’s had other things that have popped up in game where he’s played through it, and you guys have seen that too when you’re paying close attention.
He stays out on the football field and keeps doing his thing. For him to play at the level that he played at, getting dinged up a little bit, was impressive in itself.
I’d expect him to do everything he can to get out on the football field.”
Russell’s night against LSU was strong even with the ankle issue. He threw for 206 yards and three touchdowns in Alabama’s 31-13 win.
The Crimson Tide now turn to Vanderbilt, with kickoff set for Saturday at 11:45 a.m. CT.
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