Alabama quarterback Keelon Russell will not start against Vanderbilt on Saturday due to an ankle injury, according to the Tuscaloosa News.
Russell suffered the injury during last week’s win over LSU but managed to finish the game, as reported by Yahoo Sports.
Although Russell was listed as probable on recent SEC availability reports, the team has chosen to start backup Austin Mack to allow the starter time to recover, per the reports.
Head coach Kalen DeBoer expressed confidence in the veteran backup, noting that the team does not view him merely as a reserve player.
“He’s a great player,” DeBoer said of Mack.
“Definitely should not be thinking of him as a guy who’s just going to be a backup, because that’s not how we think of him,” the coach added, as documented by USA TODAY.
Mack, a fourth-year player who followed DeBoer from Washington to Alabama, narrowly lost the starting job to Russell during the most recent fall camp.
The upcoming game marks the first career start for the California native, who has waited in the wings for three seasons.
While Russell is expected to be available for the contest, the Crimson Tide are utilizing the depth of their roster against Vanderbilt, according to the outlets.
Analysts suggest that Mack may generate significant interest in the transfer portal after this season, as he retains one year of eligibility.
The opportunity to play against the Commodores provides a platform for Mack to showcase his talents to potential suitors, the reports noted.
It remains unclear if the coaching staff would turn to Russell if the game remains competitive in the closing minutes.
Alabama currently maintains a strategic advantage by having a starting-caliber athlete ready to step in while the primary quarterback heals, according to the coverage.
The decision to rest Russell underscores the team’s commitment to long-term health for the remainder of the season, the outlets concluded.