Nick Saban did not sound especially positive about the prospects of two Alabama football defensive starters seeing the field in Saturday’s matchup against Chattanooga. During his Wednesday press conference, Saban said it was “still pretty questionable” whether linebacker Deontae Lawson and safety Jaylen Key will be able to play.
“Jaylen and Deontae are both moving around, running, rehabbing,” Saban said. “Getting close to being ready to practice and play.”
Lawson suffered an ankle injury during Alabama’s win over LSU. Key injured his thigh during that same game.
Both players missed the win against Kentucky.
“If they can’t practice tomorrow — if guys can’t Thursday, we don’t think they’re healthy enough to play in the game, so we’ll see what comes back tomorrow,” Saban said.
Alabama wide receiver Jermaine Burton stayed home from the game against Kentucky due to illness. Saban at the time said that he hoped it wouldn’t be a long-term issue.
Burton appeared in practice photos released by the program earlier in the week, and Saban confirmed Wednesday that the wideout is practicing.
His return would give Alabama back one of the options it was missing at receiver against the Wildcats, as Ja’Corey Brooks was also out with a shoulder issue. Saban did not give an update on the health of Brooks.
Alabama and Chattanooga are scheduled to kick off at 11 a.m. CT Saturday at Bryant-Denny Stadium. The game will be aired on SEC Network+.
