Bama Central

Kalen DeBoer Updates Two Offensive Starters' Health Before Season Opener

The Crimson Tide had a physical fall camp, but should be ready for Week 1 on Saturday.
Joe Gaither|
Apr 13, 2024; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama running back Jam Miller (26) breaks away from tacklers during the A-Day scrimmage at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 13, 2024; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama running back Jam Miller (26) breaks away from tacklers during the A-Day scrimmage at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-USA TODAY Sports | Gary Cosby Jr.-USA TODAY Sports

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Alabama Crimson Tide

The Alabama football program is getting set for its season opener this Saturday as the Crimson Tide is set to host the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers.

Alabama has spent the last month, like every football program, in fall camp, hitting one another and preparing for the season. By all accounts, the Crimson Tide is ready for the year as the second fall scrimmage was reportedly one of the more physical affairs since DeBoer's taken over. Unfortunately Alabama starting right guard Jaeden Roberts had to leave the scrimmage after suffering a hand injury, while starting running back Jam Miller was held out due to other minor ailments he's endured in camp.

DeBoer was clear after the Aug. 17 scrimmage that his team would likely be healthy for the opening game, despite a physical fall camp. The Crimson Tide head coach confirmed his assumption on Monday to kick off game week.

"Jaeden [Roberts] and Jam [Miller] I would expect to practice and be ready to go. Jeremiah [Alexander], would not probably expect him. You guys have seen him, and know the timeline. It'll be close, it'll be close," said DeBoer.

Alexander, a backup inside linebacker was spotted on social media wearing a sling last Sunday, but no additional updates have been given on the former 5-star player out of Thompson.

Roberts didn't participate during the media viewing portion of practice last week, but instead Michigan State transfer Geno VanDeMark got the first team reps at right guard. VanDeMark transferred to Tuscaloosa to backup all three interior offensive line positions, but as game week opens the expectation is that Roberts will practice and be ready to play on Saturday.

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Joe Gaither
JOE GAITHER

Joe Gaither oversees videos and podcasts for Alabama Crimson Tide On SI/BamaCentral. He began his sports media career in radio in 2019, working for three years in Tuscaloosa covering the University of Alabama and other local high school sports. In 2023 he joined BamaCentral to cover a variety of Crimson Tide sports and recruiting, in addition to hosting the “Joe Gaither Show” podcast. His work has also appeared on the Boston College, Missouri and Vanderbilt web sites.

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