ATLANTA — Two weeks ago when University of Alabama senior tight end Brian Vogler went down with an injury he texted his coaches something to the extent of “I don’t care what you say, I’m playing in that game” about the Iron Bowl.

Only then the doctors said otherwise after tests confirmed a strained knee ligament that would take more than a week to recover. So the coaches put him in for the victory formation so he could play on his Senior Day.

“It was awesome,” he said.

This topped it though. Vogler not only came back but started against Missouri in the SEC Championship Game, a 42-13 victory at the Geogria Dome.

He also caught a pass, although redshirt freshman ArDarius Stewart, who had the same injury did not.

The only player who didn’t dress was reserve linebacker Reuben Foster, who has been dealing with a neck/stinger issue.

Senior fullback Jalston Fowler aggravated his stinger injury during the second quarter, but did return.

“I separated my AC joint, but its all right,” Fowler said.

Junior linebacker Denzel Devall (ankle) did dress, but did not play.

Sophomore kicker Adam Griffith (back) was back handling kickoffs and made his first three extra-point attempts, but missed his only field-goal try, from 43 yards.

No. 1 Alabama will get some time off as it likely won’t play again until Jan. 1, against an opponent to be determined playoff semifinal.

“We have to set new goals,” Vogler said.