re: ***Official Practice Thread***

What we saw

-- This wasn't the hottest day in which Alabama has practiced, but it might be the most humid. Though certainly not ideal for reporters who like to complain about everything, this is exactly what Nick Saban should want as Saturday's game approaches. The projected high temperature for kickoff is 96. Currently, Texas A&M is practicing in similarly toasty conditions. The Crimson Tide experienced an unseasonably cool August, but it's put in its fair share of work in hot weather, too.

-- The next man up behind Jeoffrey Pagan these days is freshman Jonathan Allen. Previously, it was Dalvin Tomlinson, who was declared out for the season today after knee surgery.

-- Tight end Brian Vogler appears to be wearing a soft cast on his left hand. It's covering the base of his hand along with his pinkie and index finger. It doesn't appear to be slowing him down at all. He was even going through blocking drills.

-- We chronicled Dillon Lee's movements from the inside and outside linebackers throughout preseason camp, so it should be worth noting that he's been with the outside crew recently. Lee's emerged as a regular on special teams and looks to be a backup option in Alabama's nickel and dime defenses.

-- Walk-on safety Jai Miller is one of a number of players assuming the role of Texas A&M safety Floyd Raven. Raven's status is up in the air after injuring his collar bone in Saturday's game against Sam Houston State.

-- RBs Altee Tenpenny and Tyren Jones continue to wear scout team jerseys, though it's uncertain why Jones is wearing No. 14. Tenpenny is wearing No. 21, which belongs to Texas A&M RB Tra Carson.

-- The media has been seeing just one period of practice since the season opener. That's part of the reason why our practice reports have been a bit on the brief side lately. Also, the Crimson Tide is very healthy, so there hasn't been much "black jersey watching" to do.