Alabama gets huge boost with injured starter cleared to play against Florida State

The injury news over the last couple of weeks has not been kind to Kalen DeBoer and Alabama football.

With Jaeden Roberts dealing with a concussion, Jam Miller dislocating his collarbone, and Tim Keenan suffering a high-ankle sprain, Alabama looked to be down three projected starters heading into tomorrow's contest against Florida State.

One of those players, however, has been cleared to play.

Senior offensive guard Jaeden Roberts has cleared concussion protocol and will be available to play against Florida State, per Yea-Alabama:

Roberts has been in concussion protocol for the last couple of weeks, the latest in an injury-plagued career for the standout guard. Roberts battled through various injuries throughout last season and was finally healthy heading into the season, until he suffered a concussion.

Roberts missed both of Alabama's fall camp scrimmages as a result.

Jaeden Roberts being available is big for Alabama football

To be clear: just because Jaeden Roberts is "available" to play does not mean that he will. Roberts has missed a LOT of practice time, and even before he went down with an injury, had been running second-team at RG behind fellow senior Geno VanDeMark.

Alabama's starting five on the offensive line is still likely to be, from left to right, Kadyn Proctor, Kam Dewberry, Parker Brailsford, Geno VanDeMark, and Wilkin Formby.

But Roberts provides some insurance with an experienced player on the interior. It means Alabama could survive someone getting nicked up, knowing that Roberts can play if he is needed. I would imagine the hope is that they won't need Roberts in Tallahassee, and he can rest up to get ready for the SEC schedule.

But Roberts is a warrior and a key player for the Crimson Tide. He was named to the preseason Outland Trophy Watchlist and was one of three Alabama offensive linemen who made Bruce Feldman's annual freaks list.

In a pinch, the coaching staff knows they can rely on Roberts if needed. If Dewberry or VanDeMark have early struggles, don't be surprised to see Roberts enter the game at some point.

Moving forward, I would expect a three-man rotation for the two guard spots once Roberts is fully up to speed.