Alabama WR Jaylen Waddle Returning To Practice, Will He Play Against Ohio State?

The Alabama offense might be getting another shot in the arm for the upcoming national title game against Ohio State. According to Matt Zenitz with AL.com, star wide receiver Jaylen Waddle will return to practice tomorrow.

The junior has been out since October after suffering an ankle injury on the opening kickoff against Tennessee. Waddle has played in only five games this season, but he still ranks No. 3 in receiving yards (557) and receiving touchdowns (4).

The big question is whether he suits up and plays against the Buckeyes in the national championship game on Jan. 11. Alabama could just be looking to give Ryan Day and company an extra element to prepare for, without any plan to actually play him.

In Waddle's absence, DeVonta Smith has stepped into the role of a true No. 1 receiver and has thrilled. In fact, he's currently the odds-on favorite to take home the Heisman Trophy on Tuesday night. He leads the nation in receptions (105), receiving yards (1,641) and receiving touchdowns (20).

The return of Smith's sidekick will only make this Crimson Tide offense more difficult to defend, as the group all still includes Najee Harris, John Metchie III and emerging talent Jahleel Billingsley.

Stay tuned for more updates on this development.

Follow Clint Lamb on Twitter @ClintRLamb.