Alabama defenders appear to be doubtful to play as warmups reveal, per reports
By Keith Farner
Published:
Alabama defenders Jaheim Oatis and DeVonta Smith are not expected to play in Saturday’s game against South Florida after they were seen during warmups on the field.
Smith didn’t wear the walking boot he was seen wearing during the Middle Tennessee State game. Smith missed the first 2 games of the season with a foot injury, Mike Rodak reported. Oatis wore a walking boot and it does not appear he will go through pregame warmups, as he was not in warmup clothes, Charlie Potter reported.
Oatis, a defensive lineman, this season recorded 3 tackles in the season opener, and against Texas finished with 4 tackles and a pass breakup against the Longhorns.
Nick Saban said in late August that Smith was out with the foot injury, but otherwise would be in the mix at safety, if healthy.
Smith has played in 19 career games, including 10 in 2022, and has primarily played on special teams, but he has gotten some work in the secondary. Along with safety, Smith is also expected to contribute to Alabama’s nickel defense.
A former newspaper veteran, Keith Farner is a news manager for Saturday Down South.
