Alabama Announces Keelon Russell Injury Before Vanderbilt Game

Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Keelon Russell received an injury update Wednesday after playing through an ankle issue in last weekend’s 31-13 victory over the LSU Tigers.

Russell is on track to play on Saturday after Alabama listed him as “probable” on its initial SEC availability report for the Week 11 road game against Vanderbilt.

Russell injured his ankle during the third quarter against LSU and briefly went to the medical tent. He returned with a heavily taped ankle but finished the game.

The Crimson Tide quarterback completed 17 of 24 passes for 206 yards and three touchdowns while adding 25 rushing yards.

Alabama QB Keelon Russell is probable for this week against Vanderbilt.https://t.co/AouNIv4rBHhttps://t.co/HqyYfwdCRp

— Pete Nakos (@PeteNakos) November 12, 2026

On Monday, head coach Kalen DeBoer labeld Russell “day-to-day,” making it clear Alabama wouldn’t jeopardize the quarterback’s health and long-term availability.

“You’re weighing how he feels, what the medical staff says, as far as, you know, we never want to hurt him, and we will never do that,” DeBoer said. “But he’s got to go out there and obviously be able to play at the level that can help us win.”

Russell has dealt with multiple physical issues this season, including a foot injury suffered against Texas A&M, but he has not missed a meaningful snap.

Through nine games, Russell has thrown for 2,263 yards, 18 touchdowns and five interceptions while completing 67.3% of his passes, going 165-for-245. He has added 276 rushing yards and five touchdowns.

The update comes during a strong stretch for both Russell and Alabama. The Crimson Tide improved to 7-2 with the LSU victory and climbed to No. 3 in Tuesday’s latest College Football Playoff committee rankings. Russell, meanwhile, was named a Walter Camp Player of the Year semifinalist on Wednesday.

Alabama visits Vanderbilt on Saturday at 12:45 p.m. ET on SEC Network.

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This story was originally published by Athlon on Nov 12, 2026, where it first appeared in the College Football section. Add Athlon as a Preferred Source by clicking here.