Alabama Coach Mike Shula acknowledged that the loss of wide receiver Tyrone Prothro in the fifth game of the year and the loss of senior center J.B. Closner last Saturday against Mississippi State had been bad for Bama.
He said that like most football teams this late in the year, the Crimson Tide had its share of bumps and bruises and sprains. But, Shula said, on the whole Alabama is healthier this year than it has been in recent years, particularly last season when Bama lost its top two quarterbacks, top fullback, and top tailback to season-ending injuries.
In his Tuesday meeting with reporters to talk about the upcoming game against fifth-ranked LSU Saturday, Shula talked about the injuries to Prothro and Closner.
He said wide receiver Tyrone Prothro “is doing well. He is out of the hospital and was in our team meeting the other day. He is in good spirits and continuing his rehab.” Shula said any details regarding Prothro’s treatment would come from him and his family, at their request.
As for Closner, Shula said, “J.B. is having surgery today. As for his status for being ready for the bowl game, they haven’t ruled it out just yet, but it would have to be a speedy recovery. As of right now, it doesn’t look great.”