Alabama shares encouraging news on Keelon Russell ahead of Vanderbilt game
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If you didn’t know Keelon Russell was playing through an injury last weekend against the LSU Tigers, you probably didn’t notice in real time. Alabama‘s freshman quarterback was excellent in Death Valley, posting 216 total yards and three touchdowns in the Crimson Tide’s 31-13 victory.
Russell wasn’t asked to put the team on his back vs. the Tigers. In a perfect world, he’ll be able to merely game manage again this weekend at Vanderbilt. He’s at least likely to be on the field there, though, which is a good thing. According to the SEC’s initial availability report, Russell is “probable” for Saturday’s matchup with the Commodores.
Russell did make a trip to the injury tent during the contest against the Bayou Bengals, but his resolve was never going to allow him to leave the field. That’s just the type of leader and player he is. His steady hand helped Alabama maintain its poise in one of the most hostile environments in college football and pick up a huge win.
The Crimson Tide have all but clinched a College Football Playoff spot with three weeks to go in the regular season. They’re the No. 3 team in the country, so even a third loss would presumably keep them at the tail end of the field. Their kickoff on Saturday against the Commodores is set for 12:45 p.m. ET (SEC Network).
