ESPN College Football

Posted by ESPN.com's Chris Low

Alabama coach Nick Saban released a statement Tuesday, saying his concern was for Brandon Deaderick's well-being and not whether or not the senior defensive end would be able to play Saturday against Virginia Tech.

Deaderick was shot in the forearm late Monday night during a robbery attempt at a Tuscaloosa apartment complex. He remains in the hospital and is listed in "good" condition.

Here is Saban's statement:

We feel very fortunate that Brandon is doing well and that this is not a more serious situation. We are hopeful that his condition will continue to improve as we expect him to be released from the hospital later in the day today. Our concern at this time is for Brandon's continued recovery as our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family, not about when he will return to football.

Coming back from any type of gunshot wound and playing that same week is probably a stretch.

So if Deaderick can't play, the Crimson Tide would be looking at a choice between Luther Davis and Marcell Dareus at that right end spot. Davis has more experience, but Dareus is the more talented of the two.

Ultimately, it won't matter who starts, because the Tide have enough depth up front that they're going to rotate their defensive linemen.