Alabama coach Nick Saban addressed reporters after Wednesday’s practice, which was expected to feature the return of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa from an ankle injury. However, reporters did not see Tagovailoa during a brief viewing window.
Here is what Saban said:
-- Alabama has tried to create a balance between working players this week and resting them, so that they can get healthier for the stretch run with “challenging games” coming up. Players will have a few days off after Thursday.
-- Tua Tagovailoa took a few snaps in practice and was involved in routes versus air, but did not take team drills. Saban reiterated it remains a day-to-day situation. He said Tagovailoa’s attitude has been positive and that is “always a good sign.”
-- Andrews Sports Medicine has a “really, really great reputation" and they have had success with the “tightrope” surgery in the past, including with Cam Robinson, who played two weeks later. “It really has enhanced” the ability for players to come back. Holding the bones together quickens the healing process of the ankle, Saban said, and players have “responded really well to the surgery in the past.”
-- Asked about what the offense gains by using extra offensive linemen, Saban says you need the ability to block the edge to make certain plays effective. The extra lineman needs to be fairly athletic to play that role.
-- Terrell Lewis and Trevon Diggs have both done extremely well when they’ve been on the field but have had “bad luck” with injuries in the past. He compared them to three-point shooters in basketball in making plays.
-- Joseph Bulovas kicked well in the last game against Arkansas and kicked off with good direction. “We’re encouraged that he is doing well and hopefully his confidence will continue to improve and that will help him continue with his consistency as a kicker,” he said. Will Reichard’s hip injury has been “very frustrating” for him and the team. “We’re going to be really cautious with how we bring him back this time around,” he said.
-- Asked about how Tua Tagovailoa’s NFL future will affect decisions about him playing, Saban said he would never put a player at risk returning from injury no matter his NFL situation. “It wouldn’t create any value for him and it certainly wouldn’t help us,” he said. Saban said he will ask players if they truly believe they can do their job. “I always ask the player, even after doc says he’s ready to go,” he said. “I think that means a lot to a player.” Saban said the question is what creates value for a player. “If you’re capable of playing and choose not to play, is that a good thing or a bad thing?” Specific to Tagovailoa, Saban says he has always done everything he can to help the team and has made good choices.
-- Asked about how to create pressure against quicker offenses like LSU, Saban said there can be a benefit for the defense to an offense running plays too fast without seeing the defense at the snap. “It can work both ways when you try to do that," Saban said. “They are very good at it and they are very effective but they do pick their spots when they do go fast.”
-- Asked about his birthday tomorrow, Saban said he is focused on what he is doing after Wednesday’s practice: talking to recruits and preparing for Thursday’s practice. “After that, it’s going to do whatever Miss Terry tells me to do," he said. “I’m OK with that, really. I think I’ll enjoy it for a day or two.”
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October 30, 2019 at 04:58PM
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Nick Saban talks Tua Tagovailoa return, birthday plans - AL.com
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