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By Bryan Colbert Jr.
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Alabama could have to wait until Saturday to know whether Keelon Russell can lead its offense against Vanderbilt.
The sophomore quarterback will be a game-time decision, according to On3’s Pete Nakos and Chris Low. Backup Austin Mack has received more first-team repetitions in practice this week and would start if Russell cannot play, leaving the Crimson Tide preparing for both possibilities ahead of another SEC road game.
The report introduces fresh uncertainty after Russell appeared as probable on Alabama’s initial availability report Wednesday.
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He has been dealing with an ankle injury suffered during last weekend’s 31-13 victory at LSU. Coach Kalen DeBoer described him as day-to-day Monday despite his ability to finish that game.
Russell visited the medical tent during the third quarter in Baton Rouge but remained Alabama’s quarterback throughout the victory. He completed 17 of 24 passes for 206 yards and three touchdowns, adding 25 rushing yards while playing through the injury.
Getting through that game, however, did not settle his availability for the next one.
DeBoer said earlier this week that Alabama would weigh Russell’s condition and the medical staff’s assessment against his ability to perform. He also expressed confidence in Mack if the Crimson Tide needed to make a change.
“I’d expect him to do everything he can to get on the football field,” DeBoer said of Russell.
Russell’s importance extends beyond the starting designation. In his first season leading Alabama’s offense, he has completed 67.3 percent of his passes for 2,263 yards, 18 touchdowns and five interceptions. He has also contributed 276 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns through nine games.
Mack, meanwhile, has had limited game action behind him. On3 reported Monday that the backup had played just 24 offensive snaps this season, citing Pro Football Focus. The additional practice repetitions would give him more preparation should Alabama need him to handle the offense in Nashville.
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The timing makes the decision particularly significant. Alabama enters at 7-2 overall and 5-2 in SEC play, holding the No. 3 spot in the College Football Playoff rankings. Vanderbilt is 4-5 overall and 1-5 in conference play.
Kickoff is scheduled for 11:45 a.m. CT Saturday on SEC Network.
Alabama then faces Chattanooga before closing the regular season against Auburn. But its immediate task is getting through Vanderbilt with a quarterback capable of running the offense effectively.
Russell proved he could finish an SEC road win on an injured ankle. Saturday will determine whether he is ready to start another.
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