Why DaShawn Jones did not play for Alabama football vs Oklahoma

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Alabama football’s usual starter at its Husky nickel defensive back position did not play a snap against Oklahoma.

DaShawn Jones appeared on each of Alabama‘s SEC availability reports as probable leading up to game day against Oklahoma. Jones was not listed on the Crimson Tide’s final report and was considered available, but did not play a snap.

“He was available, but he had a good injury the week before in the game,” Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer said. “And that definitely limited a lot of his practice throughout the week. So that gave Red an opportunity. (Jones) was available if needed.”

Before Alabama’s loss to Oklahoma, Jones was going through warm-ups with the third group of Alabama cornerbacks behind Dijon Lee Jr. and Zabien Brown, and Domani Jackson and Cam Calhoun.

PFF listed Jones as Alabama’s starting nickel corner for each of its past three games against Tennessee, South Carolina and LSU. Jones played more than 30 snaps against both the Gamecocks and Tigers.

In nine games, Jones has 17 tackles, a tackle-for-loss and an interception, which was returned for a touchdown against South Carolina.

Red Morgan played 41 snaps for Alabama at nickel against Oklahoma, per PFF, and finished with four tackles, a tackle-for-loss and a forced fumble.

Alabama defensive coordinator Kane Wommack praised Morgan, saying he’s “always been a good football player,” highlighting his bounciness and athleticism and describing him as “one of the best strikers” he has ever seen.

“He’s just becoming a more and more complete player,” Wommack said.

Alabama will host Eastern Illinois in its final home game of 2025 at 1 p.m. CT Saturday, Nov. 22.

Colin Gay covers Alabama football for The Tuscaloosa News, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach him at cgay@gannett.com or follow him @_ColinGay on X, formerly known as Twitter. 

This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: Kalen DeBoer talks DaShawn Jones status for Alabama vs Oklahoma

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