Photo courtesy of Gary Cosby Jr. – Staff Photo
Jaylen Waddle came into the season as one of the most electric players in the country, but suffered a stomach-turning leg injury in mid-October during a game against Tennessee.
Waddle was widely expected to miss the remainder of the season, but optimism for his return has grown in recent weeks. Alabama head coach Nick Saban told media that Waddle would be a game time decision after returning to practice.
Posting 557 yards on just 25 receptions in his 5 games prior to the injury, his return could be huge for the Tide heading into the National Championship Game. The three-headed monster of Mac Jones, Najee Harris, and Heisman winner Devonta Smith becomes more dangerous with Waddle added back into the mix.
It’s impossible to tell what state his ankle will be in coming into the game, but even as a decoy Waddle adds just enough to pull attention from the award winners and add another element to the legendary coach’s best offense.