As I quickly close in on finishing off my eighth full year at CFT, I can, once again, type “welp, this is a new one.”
Alabama returned to practice Friday for the first time after an extended break following their SEC championship game win, with on-field preparations for their playoff semifinal matchup with Washington beginning in earnest. Following the practice, Nick Saban confirmed that Dakota Ball was one of a couple of players who were non-participants. Why?
The defensive end busted a cap in his own finger while hunting during the break. Seriously, that’s what they’re saying happened.Saban: Dakota Ball didn’t practice today. Shot his finger in a hunting accident. Ouch.
— John Zenor (@jzenor) December 17, 2016
According to the Crimson Tide head coach, there’s no timeline for a return. Whether the lineman will be available for the playoffs is unknown at the time.
Ball is currently listed as a backup to starter Dalvin Tomlinson. This season, after moving from tight end to defensive line, he’s been credited with 12 tackles, one tackle for loss and half of a sack.