The Crimson Tide were dealing with a number of injuries during Thursday’s open practice sessions, when the media was permitted to watch. The most significant injury was the absence of defensive lineman Jehiem Oatis, who was spotted inside the team’s facility but not on the practice field. After practice, head coach Kalen DeBoer of Alabama football was evasive about when Oatis might return to the field.

Although I think it’s still kind of relative, I do know,” DeBoer remarked. Sort of still up in the air. I mean, I know it for a fact.

Two members of the Crimson Tide were seen wearing black jerseys, which in practice denote no contact. Germie Bernard, a wide receiver who transferred from Washington to UA this offseason, had one on and rode an exercise bike for the majority of the times he was visible.

The black jersey was worn by linebacker Sterling Dixon as well. He appeared to be taking part in practice to some extent.

Going forward, DeBoer seems upbeat about the two.

“Just minor, minor stuff,” DeBoer said. “They’ll be back. I don’t know if they’ll be back on Saturday, but they should be back next week. Nothing major.”

Tight end CJ Dippre was back in regular uniform. Before Alabama paused practice for spring break, he was wearing a black jersey during the Tide’s first open media session.

DeBoer shared positive news about his health status.

“We’re getting CJ back here a little bit,” DeBoer said. “He’s not full-go necessarily but him added to the mix. So it’s been a thin group but it’s, with the addition now here, coming along, and it’s a really, really important part of our team.”

Alabama returns to the practice field on Saturday. Spring ball will end April 13, with UA’s annual A-Day game at Bryant-Denny Stadium.