According to John Talty and Matt Zenitz of AL.com, Monday night's national championship game between Alabama and Ohio State could be pushed back to a later date due to COVID-19 issues.

Reportedly, the Buckeyes could be without an entire position group due due to COVID-19 procedures. Ohio State was down several wide receivers in the Big 10 Championship game against Northwestern, a game the Buckeyes emerged victoriously 22-10.

The game is scheduled to kick off in Miami on Monday night, leaving little time for a decision to be made. Reportedly the SEC, Big Ten, and the College Football Playoff have been in discussions about potentially postponing the game to ensure both sides are not experiencing COVID-19 issues.

What could a delayed championship game mean?

Both sides could ensure that key contributors are fully healthy to participate in the game.

Ohio State's Justin Fields is recovering from a midsection injury that he sustained in the semi-final against Clemson. Fields did finish the game after being on the receiving end of a targeting hit and was already on track to play in the title game, but more time could ensure he is closer to 100%.

Alabama's Jaylen Waddle is recovering from an ankle injury that he sustained in October playing Tennessee. He has been out of action since then but is returning to practice today. A delayed championship game could give Waddle more time to build confidence on his repaired ankle and provide the Crimson Tide with another deadly weapon on offense.

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