TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Nick Saban took another step closer to being on the sidelines on Saturday after the Alabama football coach had a second subsequent negative COVID-19 test, ESPN is reporting on Saturday.
Saban tested positive for coronavirus earlier this week, but on Friday had a second test showing that he is negative for COVID-19.
According to ESPN on Saturday, Alabama officials revealed a second negative test on Friday afternoon, while adding that a source confirmed that the 68-year-old was also tested again early Saturday.
Crimson Tide officials are now waiting on the results of the latest test, hanging on hopes that Saban will be cleared to take charge when No. 3 Georgia comes to town to battle at Bryant-Denny Stadium.
It is understood that the test was flown to an SEC-approved lab in Mobile, Alabama, Saturday morning for a faster turnaround and results could be available sometime Saturday afternoon.
Saban remains asymptomatic and without fever.
If the veteran coach has three negative tests, each 24 hours apart, his initial positive results earlier this week, which came from an outside lab that the school uses to supplement the SEC’s testing, would be considered a false positive under SEC protocols.
This would allow him to coach his No. 2 Crimson Tide side in Saturday night’s primetime nationally televised game against the Bulldogs.
Game time is slated for 8:00 pm ET with CBS and CBS All Access providing live broadcast and streaming.
Alabama and Georgia are both undefeated this season, having won their opening three games on the campaign.
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