Alabama rising sophomore linebacker Ale Kaho missed the Crimson Tide’s first spring practice Friday because he was dealing with “some issues” off the field, head coach Nick Saban said.

But according to Kaho’s latest post on social media, he could “be back real soon.”

On Monday night, the latest post on Kaho’s Instagram story featured a photo of himself and teammate Dylan Moses at practice with, “They lied to you… 10 gon be back real soon… stronger than ever! #TestMe100” above and below the picture. That’s certainly a positive development.

Kaho was not spotted during the media viewing periods of Friday’s inaugural spring practice on the Thomas-Drew Practice Fields, and Saban provided a cryptic update following the practice.

“He’s got some issues that he’s dealing with,” Saban said. “We’re trying to be supportive of him every way that we can. I think that we’ll just continue to try to help him every way that we can.

“I don’t know if there will be some point in time whether he’ll be ready to come back and play football or not.”

A late signee for Alabama who arrived with fall camp already started, Kaho played a key role on special teams while seeing time on defense. He totaled 11 tackles on the season, seven of which came on kickoff coverage to lead all special teams players. The freshman also added one fumble recovery to his totals and was named a two-time special teams players of the week.

“Anyway I can help the team out, whether it’s special teams, anything,” Kaho said last season. “I’m proud to be a part of this team and to be on special teams is a big deal. A lot of people don’t look at it that way, but special teams, I take seriously. And that’s just the start for me getting on the field.”

Kaho was the nation’s No. 1 inside linebacker and No. 21 overall prospect in 2018, per 247Sports.

With Kaho not participating in drills, Alabama was left with five scholarship inside linebackers -- Dylan Moses, Joshua McMillon, Markail Benton, Jaylen Moody and true freshman Shane Lee. The Tide saw last year’s starter Mack Wilson declare for the 2019 NFL Draft in January.

Should he return, though, it will give Alabama’s depth at inside linebacker a much-needed boost.

The Tide will reconvene for its second spring practice Monday, March 18, following spring break.

Contact Charlie Potter by 247Sports' personal messaging or on Twitter (@Charlie_Potter).

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