Alabama began practicing today for a team most Tide fans are used to seeing in Atlanta around the first week in December: The Florida Gators.  All but one of Bama's appearances in the SEC Championship game have been against the Gators, though times have certainly changed.  However, head coach Nick Saban is aware that this is a make-or-break year for Florida coach Will Muschamp, and his team will be dangerous.

The biggest notes about this practice are in regards to injured players.  Wide receiver DeAndrew White was going full speed during position drills.  A decision on his status for Saturday is yet to be made, but he does seem to have progressed well.  Running back TJ Yeldon and linebacker Denzel Devall were both in full practice gear, but both sat out some drills. Yeldon suffered a minor hamstring injury against Southern Miss, while Devall is nursing a shoulder injury. Corner Eddie Jackson, who suffered spasms against Southern Miss, was a full go. His recent injury is associated with his quadriceps and has nothing to do with the ACL injury he suffered during the spring.  Finally, safety Jarrick Williams was back  practicing, though his broken foot will likely keep him out against the Gators.

Right guard Leon Brown was working with the starting offensive line.  Brown has split duty with Alphonse Taylor thoughout the season at the right guard position, though it seems like he has gained the edge.  That would give the Tide a starting five of (right to left) Austin Shepherd, Leon Brown, Ryan Kelly, Arie Kouandjio and Cam Robinson.

During his press conference at noon, Saban said that these were the kind of games that players get excited about.  The coaches matched that intensity during the first practice.  Tuesday practices are always much tougher, so we'll see how long the enthusiasm lasts.

Here are some videos of the receivers and offensive line in action:

Alabama practices tomorrow at 3:30 pm CT.  Players will be made available to the media at 1 pm.

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