TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Alabama worked outside Monday as players participated in their first practice in preparation for Saturday’s game against Arkansas. Players were dressed in shirts and shorts and practiced under sunny, 84-degree weather. Here are some notes from the media viewing period.
— During his Monday news conference, Alabama head coach Nick Saban said Jonah Williams sprained his ankle during Saturday’s 56-14 win over Louisiana-Lafayette. However, Saban said the starting left tackle should be able to return in time to play Arkansas.
“He probably will be I think the only guy that may not practice today, maybe he'll practice tomorrow but for sure probably by Wednesday.” Saban said.
— Williams was at practice in a regular white jersey but was not participating with the rest of the offensive linemen during drills. The junior had a brace on his right ankle.
— Alabama didn’t practice in a full offensive line set during the viewing period, but Matt Womack appeared to take Williams’ spot at left tackle. Womack stepped in for Jedrick Wills Jr. at right tackle Saturday when Wills took a shot to the groin.
— While Wills didn’t return to the game, he explained the incident to reporters Monday, stating he was fine.
“I was just drop-blocking, and I fell down on my stomach and caught a little shot below the waistline,” Wills said. “I was a little slow to get up, but that’s about it.”
— Williams was replaced by Chris Owens after spraining his ankle in the end of the first quarter. Monday, Owens appeared to be working at center.
— Defensive back Shyheim Carter is still practicing with his hand in a club. He was also wearing the club during practice last week and participated in 46 snaps against Louisiana-Lafayette.
— Linebacker Mack Wilson continued to have his right foot wrapped but did not show any limitations while working with the rest of the inside linebackers.
— Wide receivers Xavier Williams (6-foot-1, 182 pounds) and Slade Bolden (5-foot-11, 200 pounds) were wearing No. 1 scout-team jerseys representing Arkansas receiver Jared Cornelius (5-foot-11, 203 pounds). Cornelius has five catches for 53 yards this season.
