The status of University of Alabama junior T.J. Yeldon was more in doubt Wednesday morning when Nick Saban called him a game-time decision for the Sugar Bowl.

The starting running back has been dealing with ankle and hamstring issues since essentially midseason.

“He’s been able to practice each and every day that we’ve been here, and he’s looked better and better each day and we’re very hopeful that he’s … it will probably be a pre‑game decision, which with all injured players they’re always involved, whether they’re able to go out and do their job effectively and we’ll make that decision at that time,” the coach said during his final press conference before the national playoff semifinal. “But we’re very hopeful that he’ll be able to make a contribution in this game.”

Saban had said on his radio show on Tuesday night that Yeldon might play, but instead of being the primary ball carrier might “fill-in” as a ball carrier.

In the SEC Championship Game on Dec. 6 he had 14 carries for 47 yards while Derrick Henry finished with 20 attempts for 141 yards. Both running backs scored two rushing touchdowns.

With Kenyon Drake out, Tyren Jones is third on the depth, and more of a speed option, while Saban hinted during his radio show that fullback Jalston Fowler might also get some carries against Ohio State in Thursday’s national playoff semifinal (8:30 p.m. ET, ESPN).

“Jalston Fowler has played many roles for us this year and has always been very effective in whatever role that has been, and probably has as much diversity as a player as anybody that plays on our team, and he’s certainly done an outstanding job this year” Saban said during the press conference. “Tyren Jones, when he’s had an opportunity has done a good job for us and Derrick Henry has played better and better as the year has gone on and played some of his best football at the end of the season.

“So we’re very confident in all those players, that they have an opportunity in the game that they’re capable of going in and doing a very good job for us.”