Alabama coach gives a huge health update on highly anticipated freshman weapon that the Crimson Tide will need in 2026
The Alabama Crimson Tide have had some unfortunate injuries to two critical players in fall camp. But following the latest update from offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb, there is finally some good news on the injury front.
The Alabama Crimson Tide have dealt with a string of bad news on the injury front this offseason, particularly at running back. Starting running back AK Dear, who was getting first-team reps and appeared on pace to be the starter, is now out for upwards of six weeks with a lower-body injury. Five-star freshman Jorden Edmonds has also been banged up. But Alabama offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb just delivered some much-needed good news about one of the most talented backs on the roster.
As shared by Charlie Potter of Bama Online at On3, Grubb said when speaking about freshman running back E.J. Crowell, “I am very optimistic that we’re going to be able to get him ready to play and have him out there for week 1.”
Alabama Crimson Tide RB room
- EJ Crowell
- Daniel Hill
- Kevin Riley
- AK Dear
- Trae’shawn Brown
- Khalifa Keith
Why Crowell could be Alabama’s answer at running back
That is a massive development for a Crimson Tide offense searching for clarity at the position. Crowell, a five-star recruit out of Jackson, Alabama, and one of the best backs in his entire recruiting class, has generated sky-high expectations from fans and media alike. In my opinion, he is SEC ready.
The question now becomes straightforward. With Dear sidelined, who fills that starting role? Is it Kevin Riley? Is it Daniel Hill? Or is it Crowell?
The truth is, Crowell still has work to do. He didn’t play much in the spring because of an injury, and he was banged up early in fall camp. If he can put together a strong final two to three weeks of camp, get into ECU Week 1 fresh and healthy, and look the part, I don’t think it’s a stretch to say he could be Alabama’s starting running back come Week 1.
Crowell’s talent may be too much to keep off the field
Even if Crowell doesn’t earn the Week 1 start, he is going to get carries. He is going to be featured in this offense. He’s too good. He’s too dynamic. The jump cut, the power, the explosion are all there even though he’s a freshman. Alabama simply cannot afford to keep a player like that off the football field.
So it’s a matter of when, not if, we see Crowell out there in a meaningful role. Dear’s absence for upwards of six weeks could accelerate that timeline considerably. Grubb’s comments suggest the coaching staff is already preparing for Crowell to be a significant part of the plan, and that should have Alabama fans feeling a lot better about the running back situation than they did a week ago.
