UA Athletics/Collegiate Images/Getty Images. Pictured: Jaylen Waddle.
The true game-time decision of Monday’s national championship game is Alabama wide receiver Jaylen Waddle.
Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields received some headlines after his apparent injury against Clemson, but he has no injury designation that will keep him out of this game.
Waddle is truly questionable, which is a huge upgrade considering it was assumed he was done for the season.
Waddle injured his ankle Oct. 24 against Tennessee and hasn’t played since. He still managed 25 catches and 557 yards in just four games this season.
“I think the biggest challenge is can he sustain in the game?” Alabama head coach Nick Saban said, per AL.com. “It will be a game-time decision as to whether he thinks he can play and go out there and do his job well enough to contribute to the team. We won’t know that until we get out there after pregame warmup.”
Jaylen Waddle’s Potential Impact
What will Waddle’s presence on the field actually mean for the Alabama offense?
Here’s our Collin Wilson from his comprehensive betting guide:
The addition of Waddle on the field is positive no matter if the wide receiver draws a target. His presence on the field alone could draw one-on-one coverage for (DeVonta) Smith and (John) Metchie while opening up everything in the backfield for Harris.
Waddle has been a special teams returner in the past, but that figures to be an area Smith handles on Monday night.
Alabama was up to a 9-point favorite at time of first publish (real-time odds).