Alabama began its preparation for the Iron Bowl this week, holding practice outside on a chilly Monday evening. Here are our observations from practice:

Freshman nose guard D.J. Dale was spotted at practice today but did not participate in any drills. Dale was seen standing near the defensive linemen wearing sneakers as he still recovers from a knee injury. After being held out of the game against Western Carolina due to injuries, senior Raekwon Davis and redshirt sophomore Phidarian Mathis were both spotted at practice and were participating in drills during the media viewing period.

Junior wide receiver Henry Ruggs III was back at practice after being held out of Saturday’s game with bruised ribs. In his Monday press conference, Nick Saban said that Ruggs was going to return to practice but was going to be considered day-to-day. Ruggs looked comfortable at practice as the receivers worked on catching over-the-shoulder throws.

At the end of the media viewing period, freshman kicker Will Reichard was seen kicking from a standstill. Saban said that the freshman will be out for the game against Auburn as he continues to heal from a hip injury he sustained against Southern Mississippi.