TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Injuries played only a small role in Alabama’s march to the 2009 national title.

Through two spring practices in 2010, health issues aren’t playing a big part in the Crimson Tide’s early preparations for a repeat.

Only center William Vlachos spent time on the exercise bike Monday instead of working with the offensive line. Wearing a walking boot, the starter in all 14 games last season had off-season surgery and is still on the mend.

Running back Jeramie Griffin, the victim of a preseason ACL tear, was back working with the running backs Monday. Defensive end Damion Square also shed the black non-contact jersey last season after tearing his ACL in the second game of the 2009 season. Fellow defensive end Milton Talbert, though wore the black jersey while working with his unit during the media-viewing period.

Also back on the field was defensive back Robbie Green, although his health was never the issue. He sat out the first spring practice March 12 for “personal reasons.”

BASKING IN WHITE HOUSE EXPERIENCE

Two weeks after returning from the White House, Tide quarterback Greg McElroy is still basking in the experience.

“I’m a ridiculous patriot,” he said Monday.

Per tradition, Alabama was invited to the home of the president as the national championship winning team. Although he ate up the experience at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave., McElroy said his must-see stops in the capital were the Korean and Vietnam war memorials.

LOOK WHO’S WATCHING PRACTICE

Though out of NCAA eligibility, two former Alabama football players could not resist that urge to watch Monday’s practice.

Javier Arenas joked with reporters as he made his way into the indoor practice facility to take in Monday’s drills.

Also in the Hank Crisp Indoor Practice Facility was senior running back Roy Upchurch. He watched the backs go through familiar drills from the comfort of a nearby stationary bike.

Both Arenas and Upchurch are working towards playing in the NFL after next month’s draft.