Alabama’s first availability report for Vanderbilt is drawing extra eyes for one simple reason: Keelon Russell.
The Crimson Tide quarterback took a hit to the lower body against LSU and briefly headed to the medical tent during the game. While he was there, backup Austin Mack warmed up on the sideline, a clear sign Alabama was at least preparing for the possibility of a change. Russell, though, made it back onto the field and finished the job in Alabama’s 31-13 win over LSU.
Kalen DeBoer said earlier this week that Russell is day-to-day.
“You’re weighing 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 status will get clearer when Alabama releases its initial report on Wednesday at 7:10 p.m. CT. If he appears on it, he’ll be tagged as probable, questionable, doubtful or out.
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For Alabama, the ripple effect matters because scheduling has long been part of the programs playoff rsum and national-brand calculus. Some schools are already canceling previously booked games and hunting for replacements, while Oregon State and Washington State have a waiver that lets them count as Power Five teams despite the upheaval around their conference status. The SECs next move will shape not just who the Crimson Tide plays, but how much room there is to maneuver in a new playoff era. [Read more 🡒]