Alabama Football Injury Updates at Vanderbilt, Keelon Russell's Status

NASHVILLE, Tenn.–– No. 3 Alabama is expected to be without several key players for Saturday's SEC road showdown at Vanderbilt.

Prior to game day, the Crimson Tide already ruled out eight players with five others listed as "probable", including quarterback Keelon Russell. Just because a player is listed as available does not necessarily mean he will play. However, after reports earlier in the week that Austin Mack would start in place of Russell at quarterback, Russell is available and did start.

On the final pregame report, Russell and defensive back Chuck McDonald III were listed as game-time decisions. Running back EJ Crowell, defensive back Zabien Brown and offensive linemen William Sanders were all removed from the report, meaning they are available to play against the Commodores.

This story will be updated throughout Saturday's game, including any postgame comments from head coach Kalen DeBoer.

In-game updates

Fourth quarter

Thompkins and Lee have both re-entered the game for Alabama.

Third quarter

Crimson Tide corner Dijon Lee goes down with a little over three minutes to go in the third quarter. He could not put any weight on his right foot and had to be assisted off the field. Lee was taken straight to the medical tent.

Alabama defensive lineman Devan Thompkins went down and was looked at for the training staff for a long time with 5:46 to go in the third quarter, but he is able to walk off the field under his own power. He got a lot of pats and high fives from coaches and teammates as he came back to the sideline and went to the medical tent.

Woodson is back in the game for Alabama.

Second quarter

Carroll has re-entered the game for Alabama.

Woodson did not come in for Alabama's first defensive series of the second quarter.

First quarter

Alabama linebacker Caleb Woodson has spent some time in the medical tent. He came into the game leading the Tide in tackles on the season.

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Russell completed five of his first six passes, but his throws have been a little off target.

Right guard Michael Carroll was not on the field for Alabama's second offensive series. Sanders moved to right guard, and Mal Waldrep Jr. played left guard. Carroll spent some time in the injury tent and then moved to the exercise bike.

Russell does indeed take the field at quarterback for the first offensive series for the Crimson Tide.

Pregame updates

(latest updates at the top)

Russell will start for the Crimson Tide.

Russell took the first-team reps during warmups. It could just be for show, but it looks like Russell will indeed get the start for the Crimson Tide.

Crowell was moving well during warmups after missing the last two games. He had a thick sleeve on his left leg.

EJ Crowell has a thick sleeve on his left leg. He was taken off the pregame availability report pic.twitter.com/XKdNBKevUP
— Katie Windham (@katiewindham_) November 14, 2026

Sanders is back with the first-team offensive line at left guard after a lower leg injury in the Texas A&M game. He did not play last week against Texas A&M.

Russell is throwing during warmups alongside Mack. He is dressed out in full pads and doesn't seem to have anything extra on his ankle.

Final Pregame Availability Report

Alabama Availability Report

Desmond Umeozulu, LB — Out
Cayden Jones, LB — Out
Nick Sherman, DB — Out
Mhari Johnson, DL — Out
Josh Ford, TE — Out
Casey Poe, OL — Out
Jeremiah Beaman, DL — Out
AK Dear, RB — Out
Keelon Russell, QB — Game-time decision
Chuck McDonald, DB —Game-time decision

Vanderbilt Availability Report

Blaze Berlowitz, QB — Out
Edwin Kolenge, EDG — Out
Josiah Broxton, LB — Out
Evan Hampton, RB — Out
Daniel Vollmer Jr., LB — Out
Gunner Givens, OL — Out
Aaron Bryant, DL — Out
Ted Gregoire, OL — Out

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