Sports · American Football · 1 hr ago
Alabama expected to start Austin Mack at Vanderbilt as Russell rests ankle
Alabama is expected to start Austin Mack at Vanderbilt on Saturday in Nashville.
The Crimson Tide’s usual starter, sophomore Keelon Russell, is dealing with a lingering ankle injury.
He hurt it in last week’s win over LSU and played through the pain.
Russell has started every game this season and thrown for 2,263 yards and 18 touchdowns.
He is expected to be available off the bench, but Alabama is expected to hold him out so his ankle can heal.
Mack has played in four games this season, completing three of four passes for 23 yards.
A win could give Russell more time to recover before Alabama’s next game against Chattanooga, though the sources do not say whether he will sit that game.
Alabama is expected to start backup quarterback Austin Mack against Vanderbilt while Keelon Russell rests an ankle injury.
Russell is expected to be available off the bench, but the plan is to hold him out so the injury can heal.
Russell injured his ankle in the second half of Alabama’s win at LSU last week.
Mack has completed three of four passes for 23 yards this season.
The game is scheduled for Saturday in Nashville.
- Who
- Alabama is expected to start Austin Mack at quarterback, with Keelon Russell available if needed.
- What
- Mack is expected to start against Vanderbilt as Russell rests an ankle injury.
- When
- Saturday. The articles were published on Nov. 13, 2026.
- Where
- Vanderbilt in Nashville.
- Why
- Russell is dealing with the lingering effects of an ankle injury, and Alabama is expected to hold him out to let it heal.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Russell injured his ankle in the second half of Alabama’s win at LSU.
ESPN reported that Mack was expected to start against Vanderbilt and Russell was expected to be available off the bench.
Alabama is expected to play Vanderbilt in Nashville with Mack starting at quarterback.
- Expected starter
- Austin Mack
- Injured quarterback
- Keelon Russell
- Injury
- Ankle
- Mack this season
- 3 of 4 passes completed for 23 yards
- Russell this season
- 2,263 passing yards, 18 touchdowns and five interceptions
- Game location
- Nashville
2 sources
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Sources: Alabama is expected to start Austin Mack at quarterback against Vanderbilt on Saturday. Starter Keelon Russell (ankle) is expected to be available, but the expectation is the Tide staff holds him out and lets his ankle heal. Russell has been listed as probable.