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Alabama wide receiver Jaylen Waddle returned to the field on Monday as the Crimson Tide faced the Ohio State Buckeyes in the national championship in his first game since fracturing his ankle against Tennessee on Oct. 24.
During pregame warmups, it was clear that Waddle was still limping while running.
Nothing to worry about Buckeyes, Waddle looks pretty hurt pic.twitter.com/pYIq1QDPL5
— RedditCFB (@RedditCFB) January 12, 2021
Update: Waddle was also seen limping during the game.
Jaylen Waddle shouldn’t be playing in this game, idc what Kirk Herbstreit says https://t.co/ld6cl85Ud1
— Gifdsports (@gifdsports) January 12, 2021
Despite the fact that it was Waddle’s decision to play in the game after being medically cleared by doctors, several NFL players called out Alabama for allowing him to risk injury before the NFL draft.
Cmon nick don’t let Waddle do this, he’s hurt and shouldn’t be out there! Cmon bro! Sometimes you gotta protect players from themselves!
— Darius Shaquille Leonard (@dsleon45) January 12, 2021
Respect the heart! But you can’t let that man be out there! https://t.co/QqaXYQ1EEX
— Patrick Mahomes II (@PatrickMahomes) January 12, 2021
Keep waddle out of the game… I know you love the game brotha but you not playing tonight is best for your future
— Dez Bryant (@DezBryant) January 12, 2021
Waddle making me nervous🥴 they needa take him out
— Darius Slayton (@Young_Slay2) January 12, 2021
Waddle is forcing this game , get healthy for the NFL.
— DeShon Elliott (@OfficialShon_4) January 12, 2021
Waddle future so bright . They gone win . Just chill lil homie.
— AJ BROWN (@1kalwaysopen_) January 12, 2021