“The big thing for us right now is to use this open date to try to improve each individual player so that each unit can continue to improve, so that we can be a little more consistent and do a little quality control on the things that we need to improve on as a unit,” Saban said. “[We’ll] focus on those things as coaches. That’s basically what we’re trying to get done this week. Obviously it’s always good to try to get your team healthy as well.”
Wide receiver DeAndrew White and running back Tyren Jones watched practice while working on the stationary bikes. White was wearing a boot on his left foot while on the bike. Saban announced both players would not do much during practice this week. They were later joined on the bikes by offensive lineman Paul Waldrop.
Quarterback Blake Sims (shoulder) went through drills but did not make any throws. When the quarterbacks did drills that involved throwing, Sims would do everything in the drill but attempt a throw. Sims was hurt during Saturday’s game when he scrambled and fell awkwardly on his shoulder.
Running back T.J. Yeldon (hamstring) did not seem to be limited during drills but was still wearing a wrap on his leg. Yeldon played on Saturday. Running back Derrick Henry has also been nursing a bruised shoulder, which has hampered his practice routine.
“I think Derrick had a little setback when he got his shoulder bruised or whatever,” Saban said. “He played well in the first game and then we didn’t play him a whole lot in the Southern Miss game because he was a little banged up. He could have played. I thought he played really well in this game. Most of the time when guys practice all week and they practice well, they play well. When guys have a hard time and struggle to practice, it usually affects how they play. Even though he was able to play in the game, he wasn’t able to practice like he usually does because he’s a very hard worker.”
During the media viewing period, most of the offensive position groups were working on ball security while the defense worked on stripping the ball. At this point in the season Alabama has only forced four turnovers while losing the ball seven times.
The team will practice again on Thursday and Friday before having the weekend off.
