Alabama football settled their quarterback situation just before Saturday’s Week 11 clash vs. Vanderbilt, reversing expectations surrounding injured starter Keelon Russell.

The sophomore quarterback injured his ankle during the second half of last week’s 31-13 victory at LSU but finished the game. His availability remained uncertain throughout the week as the Crimson Tide prepared for another SEC road matchup.

ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported Friday that Alabama expected to start backup Austin Mack, then repeated that outlook on “College GameDay” Saturday morning. Russell carried a game-time decision designation on the final availability report.

On3 shared the late development Saturday on X, formerly Twitter, crediting Yea Alabama with reporting that Russell would start against the Commodores. The post appeared at 12:44 p.m. ET, one minute before scheduled kickoff.

The following story is in development and will be updated shortly.

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