Alabama redshirt freshman Kendall Sheffield missed his third straight practice on Tuesday afternoon, and there's no certainty that he'll return to the team.

Head coach Nick Saban spoke for the first time since Saturday's scrimmage - which included Sheffield - and told reporters that he doesn't have any updates on his status.

"You know Kendall Sheffield has not been here for the last couple of days," Saban said. "I don't really know what his status is, so there's no need to ask me.

The defensive back from Texas had been one of the positives during fall camp through the first week. He appeared to be in a position to earn a role on the 2016 defense, which makes his absence odd. But Saban said he'd gladly welcome him back if he wanted to be a part of the Crimson Tide.

"We're happy to have him back, he's a fine young man,"  He's worked hard, made a lot improvement here. We enjoy having him being a part of the team if that's what he chooses, and we'll continue to work with him a positive way to help him develop personally, academically, and athletically.

Alabama has already dealt with a handful of transfers since the end of last season. Most recently, defensive back Maurice Smith was granted a waiver to enroll at Georgia as a grad transfer.

Watch the full press conference from Tuesday below.

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