Alabama Expected to Start Austin Mack at Quarterback Against Vanderbilt as Keelon Russell Nurtures Ankle Injury

Alabama is preparing to hand backup quarterback Austin Mack his first career college start on Saturday against Vanderbilt, with starter Keelon Russell expected to sit to allow a left ankle injury to heal, according to program sources. While Russell was listed as probable on the initial SEC availability report and could be used in an emergency, the Crimson Tide staff wants to give the sophomore time to recover.

Russell suffered the injury during the third quarter of last Saturday's 31-13 victory at LSU. Despite getting evaluated in the medical tent, Russell returned to the field with his ankle heavily taped, completing 17-of-24 passes for 206 yards and three touchdowns to spark the comeback win. On Monday, head coach Kalen DeBoer labeled Russell as day-to-day, noting that the final decision would hinge on medical advice and his readiness to perform at a high level.

Mack, a 6-foot-6 quarterback who followed DeBoer from Washington to Alabama, has appeared in four games this season and completed three of four passes for 23 yards. His most notable prior action came in last season's Rose Bowl against Indiana. Meanwhile, Russell has put together a strong sophomore campaign, throwing for 2,263 yards, 18 touchdowns, and five interceptions across nine starts, earning him a spot as a Maxwell Award semifinalist.

What to watch next: Alabama visits Nashville on Saturday looking to build on its No. 3 ranking in the latest CFP standings ahead of closing out the regular season against Chattanooga and Auburn.