Nick Saban confirms Drew Sanders is out for Mississippi State

Problems at the outside linebacker position across from Will Anderson have continued. After Christopher Allen went down with a foot injury for the season, Drew Sanders was supposed to be the one to step up as the replacement.

Now, Alabama will be without the sophomore for the second consecutive week. Sanders is dealing with a hand injury. Nick Saban said he is practicing but is not fully ready for game action yet.

“He’s out there in pads every day but it’s not safe for him to use his hand yet,” said Saban. So he’s not going to play this week.”

With an injury like a hand, being able to lightly practice is possible. Going full contact is where Sanders would be limited, especially at an important position on the edge.

Going into Texas A&M, Saban said Sanders was going to be “game-to-game for a few weeks.” All we can do now is wait for next week’s injury report heading into Tennessee.

Freshman Dallas Turner and sophomore Chris Braswell are still expected to pick up for the injured Sanders. The former was able to record five tackles and one tackle for loss against the Aggies.

Mississippi State will provide a different gameplan, though, with some more rotation from Turner. With how often Mike Leach is going to air it out, the pass rush will need to be subbing in and out for all four quarters. Turner may be the main guy but Braswell will get opportunities.

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