Tuesday practice report

The Alabama Crimson Tide returned to the practice field on Tuesday afternoon to continue its preparations for the season opener on Saturday. The Tide practiced outside in humid and hot conditions. At the time of the media observation period, the humidity was at 65 percent and the temperature was 88 degrees.

Freshman Alphonse Taylor was working with the second offensive line unit at the left guard position during the media observation period. Taylor, who moved to the left guard position during the spring, was not on the Tide’s depth chart that was released on Tuesday. However, he could be working at that position as an option should Chad Lindsay have to take Ryan Kelly’s spot as backup center.

It did not appear as if any Crimson Tide players were wearing black, no-contact jerseys. Eddie Lacy, who has been recovering from knee and ankle injuries was working as the leader of the running backs during drills. Freshman Amari Cooper was the Tide’s backup to DeAndrew White on the depth chart that was released on Tuesday, and he was back working with the wide receivers as he recovers from a foot injury.

Cornerback Bradley Sylve, who fractured his hand last week, had a small cast on his the injured hand. Head coach Nick Saban noted that Sylve will be able to function as normal after having surgery to repair the fracture recently.

Perhaps it was merely shadowing, but Nick Perry was seen on the field as the Tide went through recognition drills. What is striking is that Perry was on the field with the first-team secondary. It remains to be seen whether or not Perry is an option with the first unit, but he has not been a mainstay in the defensive backfield with the first unit throughout the fall.

Alabama will return to the practice field on Wednesday as it continues its preparation for Michigan. CrimsonConfidential.com will have continuing coverage of the Tide’s 2012 football season and all aspects of Alabama’s season-opening showdown against Michigan.