DeBoer updates Brown, Sanders before Vanderbilt trip

Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer said Monday that starting cornerback Zabien Brown remains day-to-day, while starting left guard William Sanders still needs to make progress before the Crimson Tide visits Vanderbilt on Saturday, Nov. 14.

Brown returned for Alabama’s 31-13 win at LSU after missing the Texas A&M game. He started in Baton Rouge but played 22 snaps, according to Pro Football Focus, and did not finish the game because of what DeBoer described as a lower-extremity injury.

DeBoer said Brown’s limited work helped Alabama by putting him back on the field and reducing the snap burden on other players. The coach said Brown did not appear to suffer a setback and expects him to continue progressing this week.

Sanders was a game-time decision against LSU but did not play. He suffered a high ankle sprain during Alabama’s win over Texas A&M and underwent TightRope surgery during the bye week.

Sanders participated in pregame warmups at LSU, though Alabama did not expect him to start and was evaluating whether he could be available in an emergency. Mal Waldrep handled the left guard position in Sanders’ absence.

DeBoer said Sanders has made a quick recovery but needs additional improvement this week to compete at the level Alabama requires. His availability therefore remains less certain than Brown’s based on the coach’s Monday update.

Wide receiver Lotzeir Brooks and defensive back Chuck McDonald also left the LSU game, but both returned to action at Tiger Stadium.

No. 5 Alabama will face Vanderbilt in Nashville at 11:45 a.m. CT Saturday. SEC Network will televise the Week 11 conference matchup.

Why it matters

Brown’s return would help Alabama at cornerback after he was limited against LSU. Sanders’ status affects whether Alabama can restore its starting left guard or again turn to Mal Waldrep.

What to watch next

Brown and Sanders will continue progressing during Vanderbilt week before Alabama’s 11:45 a.m. CT kickoff Saturday, Nov. 14, in Nashville.