Alabama football: Nick Saban has optimistic update Jaylen Waddle’s status for Ohio State
Alabama football may be getting some help for the National Championship Game vs. Ohio State with Jaylen Waddle back at practice.
Jaylen Waddle has been cleared to return to practice and he’s inching closer toward making a stunning recovery to play in the National Championship Game vs. Ohio State.
It’s not a certainty the star receiver who had 25 receptions in five games for 22.3 yards per catch before getting injured on the opening kickoff vs. Tennessee on Oct. 24, but there’s some growing optimism.
“He’s been running, but we need to see him in practice,” Saban said, via Chris Low of ESPN. “Our medical people will evaluate him as the week goes on and make a decision from there. He wants to play and has been working hard to get back.”
The big-play receiver was the top receiver for Alabama football, not presumptive Heisman winner, DeVonta Smith, so that goes to show you the type of impact his return would be for the National Championship Game. That said, he won’t be close to 100 percent, but even if he’s 70 percent, that’s still a lot better than most at 100 percent and something for the Buckeyes pass defense to concern themselves with.
I've been told that Jaylen Waddle has been cleared, but that it'll be a decision Waddle makes in terms of how comfortable he feels as to whether or not he plays against Ohio State.
— Aaron Suttles (@AaronSuttles) January 5, 2021
Jaylen Waddle inching closer to return for Alabama vs. Ohio State
Ohio State was last in the Big Ten in defending the pass this year, which is notoriously out of character for the program, so adding Waddle opposite Smith on the perimeter to go with the rest of the Tide’s weapons could swing things greatly in favor of Alabama who is already a 7.5-point favorite according to the oddsmakers.
If he’s able to play, don’t expect him to return to his role as a return man and don’t expect him to play every down on offense, but even if it’s in certain packages and situations, it could be tough for Ohio State to overcome.
Expect Alabama to be cautious with Waddle, a projected top 10 pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, but you know he’s itching to get back on the field with a chance to win a title and go out on his terms rather than his last game being taken off the field with an ankle injury.
A final determination on Waddle’s status may not be made until the day of the game on Monday, Jan. 11.
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