Eli Ricks is expected to be one of the top cornerbacks in college football this season and potentially a top-10 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.

But, recently, the LSU transfer hasn’t been able to stay on the field for Alabama as Week 1 of the 2022 season draws ever closer.

On Wednesday evening, coach Nick Saban said Ricks has been out for a few days with a back problem, but he doesn’t anticipate it being a major injury (via On3 Sports):

“He hasn’t been able to practice since the scrimmage,” Saban said. “He’s got a little back problem. I don’t think it’s anything that’s going to keep him out for a long time.”

Ricks had 20 tackles, 4 interceptions (2 brought back for touchdowns) and 5 pass breakups during a breakout freshman season at LSU in 2020.

Last year, he entered the transfer portal after recording 11 tackles and 1 pick in 6 games. We’ll see if he can return in time for Week 1 and start making an immediate impact for the Tide this fall.