Alabama Football Down Paul Tyson, Several Other Depth Players Against Kentucky
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Alabama football was without several depth players on Saturday against Kentucky, with eight players being sidelined due to injury or possible COVID-19 exposure.
A total of eight players for the Crimson Tide were not present during pre-game warmups, nor did they participate in the game against the Wildcats. None of the players absent were starters.
Most notably, the Crimson Tide was without third-string quarterback Paul Tyson.
Tyson has yet to play a single down so far in the 2020 season, with both Mac Jones and Bryce Young ahead of him on the depth chart.
The other depth players absent from Saturday's game were linebackers Shane Lee and King Mwikuta, defensive back Kristian Story, defensive linemen Jah-Marien Latham and Stephon Wynn, Jr. and offensive linemen Darrian Dalcourt and Pierce Quick.
Aside from Quick, it has been reported that the remaining seven players contracted COVID-19 this week. However, this has yet to be confirmed by Alabama.
"We did have some guys out today," Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban said after the game. "But I think in cases of special teams where people had to step up they did a really good job."
On a positive note for the Crimson Tide, defensive lineman LaBryan Ray was seen warming up in pads with his teammates. Ray has been absent for Alabama's last three games due to an elbow injury. Earlier this week, Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban said that Ray had been practicing but was only going to start if he felt comfortable in his elbow mobility.
Ray participated in all practices this week including those with contact and in-game scenarios, and with him out on the field for warmups, it appears that he is confident that the elbow will not affect his performance.
Earlier in the day on Saturday, Kentucky confirmed that 10 of its starters will also be missing from the game due to coming into contact or testing positive for COVID-19. The two most notable players absent are running back Chris Rodriguez and linebacker Jamin Davis, the Wildcats' leading rusher and leading tackler.
Here is the full list of Wildcats out on Saturday:
- Running Back Chris Rodriguez
- Linebacker Jamin Davis
- Linebacker D’Eryk Jackson
- Linebacker Torrance Davis
- Tight End Justin Rigg
- Tight End Brendan Bates
- Punter Max Duffy
- Offensive Guard Luke Fortner
- Defensive Back Taj Dodson J
- Cornerback Jamari Brown
While playing the No. 1 Crimson Tide in Bryant-Denny Stadium was already a tall order, the absence of Rodriquez and Davis was definitely felt by the Wildcats on both side of the ball. Alabama ultimately defeated Kentucky 63-3.
