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Report: Alabama QB Keelon Russell (ankle) to miss Vanderbilt game
Alabama Crimson Tide will start quarterback Austin Mack against Vanderbilt on Saturday as starting quarterback Keelon Russell sits with an ankle injury sustained during last week's win at LSU.
Although ESPN reporter Pete Thamel reported Russell is expected to be available off the bench, the coaching staff intends to hold the sophomore out to allow his ankle to heal completely.
Russell has recorded 2,263 passing yards with 18 touchdowns this season, while Mack, who followed Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer from Washington, has completed 3 of 4 passes for 23 yards.
Alabama currently sits tied for second place in the Southeastern Conference standings, while Vanderbilt needs to win two of its final three games to secure bowl eligibility.
Competition for the starting role was intense during preseason camp, with Russell winning the job; the team maintains confidence in Mack's ability to lead the offense if called upon.