Could Jaylen Waddle return to Alabama for the College Football Playoff?

There is a chance Jaylen Waddle could return to Alabama football in time for the postseason.

It sounds bonkers, but Jaylen Waddle could be back for Alabama football by the end of the year.

It was a certainty that Waddle was done for the year when he broke his ankle on the opening kickoff vs. the Tennessee Volunteers back in October. With the Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver and return specialist poised to be a first-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, it was expected he had played his final snap for Nick Saban at Alabama. . .or so we thought.

According to Saban, Waddle had his cast removed only 26 days after he initially broke it. “We’re very encouraged,” said Saban. “Everybody thinks he’s doing really, really well. He’s had a great attitude about it and he’s going to work hard and he told me that he wants to try to come back and play, but we’re certainly not going to let that happen until he’s fully 100 percent healthy.”

What does a potential return for Jaylen Waddle mean for Alabama?

Assuming the Crimson Tide are undefeated heading into the SEC Championship game vs. presumptive the Florida Gators, Alabama will be in line to play in its sixth College Football Playoff in seven seasons. Given that Alabama did not make the four-team field a season ago, having one last shot at a national title could be something Waddle may be willing to come back for.

If he were healthy enough to return, one of the most explosive offenses in the Power 5 will have gotten its turbo booster back. While receivers like DeVonta Smith and John Metchie III are excellent players too, Waddle’s versatility and play-making ability with the ball in his hands is a separating factor. Nearly all teams in the Power 5 will not have an answer for his undeniable talent.

So what does a potential return of Waddle mean for Alabama? It should give the Crimson Tide the edge on getting to the title bout. Without him, they are only seen as a top-three team and may not get out of the national semifinals. It is that close between the top five or six teams in the country. However, the threat of Waddle as a receiver makes Alabama’s shot at a title all the more real.

The fact Waddle may play another down for Alabama this season is so unbelievably mind-blowing.

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