Nick Saban updates two injuries ahead of Alabama’s matchup against MTSU

Alabama head coach Nick Saban returned to a familiar setting on Thursday.

He was at Baumhower’s Victory Grille for his weekly radio show. Saban has his team prepared to host Middle Tennesee State at Bryant-Denny Stadium to open its football season. The matchup is set for Saturday at 6:30 p.m. CT on SEC Network. He touched on several topics with Eli Gold, including injuries updates. Coach Saban updated two former five-stars that dealt with minor injuries in fall practice. Justice Haynes (running back) and Jihaad Campbell (inside linebacker) are doing okay, per Saban.

Haynes missed some time with a quad contusion, while Campbell recently had his knee scoped.

Saban told reporters and fans in the audience that Haynes is back practicing.

“He’s good,” Saban said about Hayne. “He’s a fine young man, a really good play, and one of the freshmen that will make a significant contribution, I think, to the team.”

Haynes, a native of Buford, Ga., was a superstar running back from Buford High School. He recorded 7,574 career rushing yards and 95 touchdowns across four years. Campbell, a New Jersey native, is ‘doubtful’ for Saturday’s meeting against MTSU.

“He’ll probably be doubtful for this game,” Saban said about Campbell.

“Possible for this game, but will probably be able to play in the next game.”

Campbell is a talented linebacker who had a great preseason camp. Alabama is hopeful to have him next week when Steve Sarkisian and the Texas Longhorns come to town.

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Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine.  You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.