The Alabama Crimson Tide might be diving headfirst into one of the biggest controversies in all of college football. A legal injunction granted in the state of Louisiana has opened the floodgates for NFL players to return to college rosters, and Alabama is paying close attention. Kalen DeBoer addressed the possibility, and his answer suggests the Crimson Tide aren’t closing any doors.

The situation stems from tight end, Dae’Quan Wright, who was with the Cleveland Browns and is eligible to return to college football because of the injunction, and is planning to do so with LSU. But the ruling doesn’t just apply to LSU. Alabama and multiple programs across the country can take advantage of the same pathway, and DeBoer was asked about that very prospect.

“There’s a possibility out there. I can’t control that. I can’t worry about that. Just got to see how things work,” DeBoer said, via a post from Theodore Fernandez.

Which former Alabama players could return to Tuscaloosa?

The 2022 recruiting class is the group that has regained eligibility. Names like Germie Bernard, Domani Jackson, and LT Overton are former Crimson Tide recruits from that cycle, but two names stand out as the most realistic candidates.

Offensive lineman Kam Dewberry, currently with the Atlanta Falcons, recently suffered an injury and faces an uphill climb to make that roster. Running back Jam Miller of the New England Patriots is in a similar position, fighting for a spot on a crowded depth chart.

Alabama has been dealing with injuries in the backfield, with starting running back AK Deer going down early in fall camp. Adding a player like Miller could provide immediate depth at a position of need. Dewberry, meanwhile, could bolster an offensive line that is breaking in several new starters.

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Would Alabama become the villain?

In a word, probably. But the logic is hard to argue with, and Lane Kiffin framed it well when defending the practice. The way he sees it, these guys are coming back to college football regardless. They’re either going to play for you or they’re going to play against you.

From the player’s perspective, the decision makes all the sense in the world. If your NFL career needs more time to develop, if the roster math isn’t working out this year, returning to college to earn NIL money and potentially boost your draft stock for the next cycle is an easy call.

So why would Alabama close the door in their face?

DeBoer is keeping the light on

DeBoer’s answer was measured, as you’d expect from a coach who doesn’t want to tip his hand. He didn’t commit to anything, but he certainly didn’t shut it down. The noncommittal tone felt deliberate, leaving the Crimson Tide room to maneuver as the situation develops over the coming weeks.

For now, the names to monitor are Dewberry and Miller. Both have Alabama ties, both face uncertain NFL futures, and both fill positions where the Crimson Tide could use reinforcements. Whether Alabama pulls the trigger remains to be seen, but DeBoer is at least keeping the light on when it comes to returning some players from that 2022 class.