Yeldon is now a "pre-game" decision according to Saban

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NEW ORLEANS -- Alabama coach Nick Saban provided an injury update on running back T.J. Yeldon (ankle, hamstring), who has been limited during the Crimson Tide's practices this week inside the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Saban said Yeldon will be a game-time decision on Thursday, as Alabama faces Ohio State.

"He's been able to practice each and every day that we've been here, and he's looked better and better each day," Saban said Wednesday in his final press conference before the Sugar Bowl. "We're very hopeful that he will probably be a pregame decision, which, with all injured players, they're always involved, whether they're able to go out and do their job effectively. We'll make that decision at that time, but we're very hopeful that he'll be able to make a contribution in this game."

If Yeldon is limited in the game, the running game will depend on players like Derrick Henry, Tyren Jones and fullback Jalston Fowler. And Saban said he has no problem with this trio carrying the football for the Crimson Tide against the Buckeyes.

"I don't think there's any question about the fact that we've always played more than one back," Saban said. "We have a lot of confidence in all the players that were mentioned (Henry, Jones, Fowler). Jalston Fowler has played many roles for us this year and has always very effective in whatever role that he's been in, probably has as much diversity as a player as anybody that plays on our team. He's certainly done an outstanding job this year.

"Tyren Jones, when he's had an opportunity, has done a good job for us. Derrick Henry has played better and better as the year has gone on and has played some of his best football at the end of the season. We're very confident in all those players. They have an opportunity in the game that they're capable of going in and doing a very good job for us."

Alabama and Ohio State will face off on Thursday, Jan. 1 in the Allstate Sugar Bowl semifinal. The game will kick off at 7:30 p.m. CT and will be televised by ESPN.

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