RICHMOND — Jonathan Allen admitted rookie defensive tackle Daron Payne might struggle while having to miss two to three weeks with an ankle injury — and he had quite the explanation as to why.
Payne, Allen said, is still “Bama-nized.”
B-A-M-A-N-I-Z-E-D. Bama-nized.
What in the world does it mean? Apparently, it’s a mindset.
The two played college football together under Nick Saban at the University of Alabama. And well, that requires a certain level of toughness — even if it means gutting through an injury.
“I kid you not: I’ve seen guys tear an ACL and play a couple of plays afterwards on a torn ACL,” Allen said. “I swear to goodness. Ask anybody. So just like little stuff like that. Coach Saban’s favorite quote is either you’re down or you’re up.
“You don’t get hurt at ’Bama. You play through it. You tough through it until the end of practice.”
Allen said Payne still thinks he has to push through everything.
“Obviously he should [think that],” Allen said. “But at the same time I’m like, ’Payne, we’ve got to get you ready for the opening game, so just take it day-by-day, work your butt off and do what you’ve got to do to get back.’”
Payne, drafted with the 13th overall pick, suffered the injury when his ankle was stepped on during Friday’s practice.
Allen, though, wasn’t worried about Payne’s status for the long-term.
“He’ll be fine,” Allen said. “He’s definitely going to try to rush it back, try to get out there as quickly as possible, but he’s going to be fine. Trust me. I have no doubt in my mind.”
• Matthew Paras can be reached at mparas@washingtontimes.com.
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