Saban talks practice, injuries, Upshaw

Alabama Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban was in an interesting mood Thursday afternoon. He said the team had “turned a corner” over the last couple of practice sessions with players performing well as classes began at the Capstone. Saban was pleased, but that didn’t last.

He did spar a little with one reporter over details of the injury report. Saban declined to provide specific injury information about Alabama players. His reason? He doesn’t want rivals to know what to exploit. That is the nice way to say it. Saban said it a little grittier. Let’s see how the press plays it.

As for injuries, Dre Kirkpatrick has a pulled muscle and is day-to-day. Julio Jones has practiced with a sprained ankle. Roy Upchurch has a pulled muscle; it has nothing to do with his neck, and he is day-to-day too.

As for the Courtney Upshaw situation, Saban praised the player.

“This is as fine a young man as we have in the program,” Saban said. “Really a great person. Really works hard academically. Couldn’t ask anybody to be a better representative of the organization than he is.”

Saban said the punishment would be handled internally. Upshaw won’t be suspended.

As for good news, Saban praised Trent Richardson, Mark Ingram and Terry Grant. Saban said each has had a good fall camp.