re: Fall Practice Thread. "Practice?" "We Talkin' Bout Practice?"

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Alabama returned the the practice field Wednesday afternoon, the first day of school, as the Crimson Tide players practiced outdoors and in full pads on a partly-cloudy, 84-degree afternoon in Tuscaloosa. It was the team's 13th day of fall practice.

Here are several tidbits from Alabama's outdoor practice session on Wednesday afternoon:

- Quarterback Jacob Coker (foot) was back to leading the QB line and participating in drills at Wednesday's practice after sitting out of yesterday's session. He threw a couple of solid deep passes during the two media viewing periods.

- During the second viewing period, the quarterbacks broke into two lines to throw to the receivers. It was Coker, Alec Morris and Cooper Bateman in one line and David Cornwell, Blake Barnett and two walk-ons (Nos. 10 and 19) in the other.

- Sophomore wide receiver Cameron Sims, who tore his ACL in the spring, was out on the practice field Wednesday, as Alabama expanded its roster from its 105-man list for fall camp. Sims was wearing a black, no-contact jersey and his left knee was heavily wrapped and housed a brace, but he ran a couple of routes during the viewing periods, including one fade.

- Other injured players, like redshirt freshman center Joshua Casher (pec) and recently-enrolled freshman Anfernee Jennings (back), were also out on the field in black, no-contact jerseys. It was their first practice ahead of the 2015 season.

- Running back Kenyan Drake (hamstring) still appeared to be somewhat limited Wednesday, as he wore a support apparatus on his right leg to limit the mobility of his hamstring. He did, however, go through drills behind Derrick Henry.

- The running back line was once again led by Henry, as it has been all fall. Behind him was Drake, freshman Damien Harris, Bo Scarbrough, Ronnie Clark, walk-on Derrick Gore and freshman Xavian Marks.

- The defense lined up in what appeared to be its dime package once again, and it was the as Tuesday's practice. Cyrus Jones and Marlon Humphrey were the cornerbacks, Eddie Jackson and Geno Smith were the safeties, Maurice Smith and Minkah Fitzpatrick were the two extra defensive backs and Reuben Foster was the Mack linebacker.

*** What's next: Head coach Nick Saban will be up for his post-practice press conference at approximately 6 p.m. CT.

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TUSCALOOSA -- With classes beginning today, Alabama's roster has expanded and most of the injured players and practice squad players who weren't in camp are now with the team.
Here are some takeaways:
--After working with a trainer on Tuesday, Jake Coker (foot) was back with the quarterbacks today. Coker was at the front of the line, and looked fine when dropping back and throwing the ball.
With Coker back and some walk-ons added, the Tide now has seven quarterbacks. Coker led one line of drills followed by Alec Morris and Cooper Bateman. David Cornwell was at the front of the other line followed by Blake Barnett and two walks-ons who's names haven't been added to the roster.
--There was a change to the Tide's first offensive line group. Alphonse Taylor stepped in at right guard in place of Bradley Bozeman. Bozeman was with the second group.
The rest of the first group had Dominick Jackson at right tackle, Ryan Kelly at center, Ross Pierschbacher at left guard and Cam Robinson at left tackle.
--Wide receiver Cam Sims (knee) was in a black, non-contact jersey. Sims ran a few routes, but is still favoring his surgically repaired left knee. He's also wearing a pretty big brace.
--Reserve center Josh Casher (pectoral) was back with his position group. Casher suffered his injury lifting weights this offseason. He was in a black, non-contact jersey.
--2015 signee Anfernee Jennings (back) took the field for the first time. Jennings missed camp after having surgery to repair a slipped disc in his back. He was in a black, non-contact jersey.
--Running back Kenyan Drake (hamstring) appeared to be limited. Drake went through drills on Tuesday so this could be the team being cautious with him.
--Wide receiver Chris Black (ankle) still doesn't appear to be full speed.
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--The Tide's first dime group was the same as Tuesday. Marlon Humphrey (left) worked opposite Cyrus Jones (right) at cornerback.
The rest of the dime group had Geno Smith and Eddie Jackson at the safety spots, Minkah Fitzpatrick at star, Maurice Smith at money and Reuben Foster at linebacker.
Up next: Tide coach Nick Saban and select players will speak to reporters after practice.

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Pshh, I wish Phish still did 40 minute jams.

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glutton for punishment

Why so many god damn injuries

Saban mentioned every QB except Cornwell and said that "three of them have been involved with the reps" (or something to that effect) this week, and Coker has been out.

Not looking good for Cornwell, but that at least creates a clearer picture.

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Coker's back already and sounds like he's doing well.

Good to hear. If he can perform well enough in the next scrimmage (hopefully all the weapons are back) I hope they just name him starter and put all this to rest.

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You certainly love yourself some Coker.

Forget it.

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Good to hear. If he can perform well enough in the next scrimmage (hopefully all the weapons are back) I hope they just name him starter and put all this to rest.

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Not. Gonna. Happen.

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You certainly love yourself some Coker.

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I admit my bias, and why I have it.

I'm not sure why someone would have a bias towards Barnett who throws picks for days or Cornwell who has yet to show why he should start over the other two and appears to be sliding.

Idc who starts as long as we win, but yes I have a favorite. I have no problem saying that.

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I'm not sure why someone would have a bias towards Barnett who throws picks for days or Cornwell who has yet to show why he should start over the other two and appears to be sliding.

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Barnett throws picks for days? AJ always threw picks in the spring games too, and threw 2 in his first game vs Penn St. I think Barnett might be the same as AJ, slinging it around more trying to show what he can do, but will be more careful if/when he has the job.

Not sure what the advantage of Coker is, he also throws picks or days without the upside of Barnett.

If you want the guy who knows the offense and will take care of the ball, you go with Morris.