TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) Alabama starting fullback Donnie Lowe, who has had three concussions since the beginning of the 2001 season, failed a physical and will not play this season, coach Dennis Franchione said Friday.

"The risk factor is too large" for him to play this year, Franchione said after the evening session on the team's first day of full-squad practice.

Franchione said Lowe, a junior, may be able to take a medical redshirt season.

On Thursday, senior offensive tackle Dante Ellington, who started three games in 2001, was declared academically ineligible. Ellington will stay in school and take a redshirt, hoping to return for a fifth season in 2003.

Earlier Friday, sophomore defensive tackle Ahmad Childress was hospitalized as a precaution after suffering heatstroke.

Childress, who transferred from Garden City Community College, was released and watched the evening practice from a chair.

"The doctor said he may go tomorrow," Franchione said. "It depends on how he responds to the fluids."

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