Alabama football's Parker Brailsford has been 'warrior' through injury
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When Alabama football players sink their cleats into the grass, it isn’t just a child’s game. It’s a war of health.
Down the stretch to the College Football Playoff, injuries mount for teams across the country, and the Crimson Tide has been no exception. Eight players were listed on the availability report for Alabama‘s first meeting with Oklahoma and again against Auburn, and that roster of ailing names grew to double-digits for the SEC Championship against Georgia.
Through those weeks, center Parker Brailsford was seen wearing a boot, sometimes getting around on a medical scooter. Still, he only appeared on the injury report ahead of the Iron Bowl, in which he played 54 snaps before playing 57 against Georgia one week later.
To his teammates and offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb, Brailsford has emerged as a true “warrior.”
What exact injury has Parker Brailsford been dealing with?
Left tackle Kadyn Proctor reflected on his own encounters with injury while describing Brailsford’s ongoing recovery from what he described as a “high ankle sprain.”
“I remember in the Rose Bowl, my freshman year, had some of those similar things,” Proctor said.
The trip down memory lane inspired a candid reply from Proctor.
“You know, you thug it out, honestly, and that’s exactly what he’s been doing,” Proctor continued.
Proctor has witnessed Brailsford pushing through the pain, “trying to be on the field and to be that leader that he always is.”
Alabama offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb admitted he couldn’t believe that Brailsford was out and competing over the last few weeks.
“He’s a tough dude,” Grubb continued.
As Oklahoma approaches for the first round of the College Football Playoff on Friday, Dec. 19, Grubb is seeing Brailsford’s health on the up-and-up.
“This time off has really, really helped him. He’s been in that training room, relentless just with his pursuit in getting better,” Grubb said.
Brailsford was asked about what that extra time between games meant for the Crimson Tide on Monday, Dec. 15.
At no point did Brailsford mention what the rest did for him to bounce back. Instead, the redshirt junior approached it like the gridiron veteran he is. One who knows that the scars and bruises of battle are inevitable.
“Guys are always gonna be banged up at the end of the season playing in the SEC. It’s one of the best conferences out there,” Brailsford said.
Emilee Smarr covers Alabama basketball and Crimson Tide athletics for The Tuscaloosa News. She can be reached via email at esmarr@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: Alabama football OL Parker Brailsford injury update, status
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