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Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is taking five more days to ponder whether to enter the NFL draft or return to the Crimson Tide.

He tweeted Wednesday after Alabama’s 35-16 victory over Michigan in the Citrus Bowl, “I’ll be making my decision on the 6th.. God bless and Roll Tide.”

I’ll be making my decision on the 6th.. God bless and Roll Tide

— Tua. T (@Tuaamann) January 2, 2020

Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban said following the game that Tagovailoa receiving the proper medical information is part of the process.

Tagovailoa sustained a season-ending right hip injury on Nov. 16.

“That’s a decision that I think his family needs to make, and I’m sure when they make that decision, they’ll let everybody know,” Saban said. “I think it’s our responsibility, our job, to make sure that we give them all the information from an NFL standpoint, from a medical standpoint, from a rehab standpoint — and if there is any way that he can possibly be devalued because of his injury, and what are the consequences of that and how does that affect his decision and what he does in the future.

“He’s been a great leader for us. He’s a great player on the team. He was elected captain of the team by his teammates. We just want what’s best for him. I think that’s my job with all the players is to make sure they get the right information from the right people about what their status is, so that they can make a business decision about what they do for their future. That’s what we’re going to continue to do, and we’re going to continue with that for Tua.”



Tagovailoa has until Jan. 20 to declare for the draft or return for his senior season. Saban said recently that Tagovailoa was given a grade within the top 15 picks of the draft.

Tagovailoa passed for 2,840 yards and 33 touchdowns this season. He was intercepted three times.

In 2017, he came off the bench in the national championship game to lead Alabama to an overtime win against Georgia. Last season, Tagovailoa guided the Crimson Tide back to the national final, throwing for 3,966 yards with 43 touchdown passes and six interceptions.

Also Wednesday, Alabama receiver Henry Ruggs III went into the concussion protocol, according to Saban, after hitting his head on the turf during the game in Orlando, Fla.

The injury occurred when Ruggs dived for a pass in the third quarter. He was helped to the field and later went to the locker room.

Ruggs had two receptions for 27 yards before departing.

Ruggs, a junior, is also considered a potential first-round NFL pick. He indicated prior to the contest that he would made a decision about whether to turn pro after the bowl game.

Ruggs had 40 receptions for 746 yards and seven touchdowns this season.

–Field Level Media (@FieldLevelMedia)