It was obvious from the moment Ryan Coleman-Williams was knocked out of the game against Georgia in the fourth quarter on Saturday night that the junior WR would likely miss this weekend's matchup in Knoxville against Tennessee.
Kalen DeBoer all but confirmed that on Monday during his weekly press conference, stating there was a "pretty good chance" that Alabama would be without Coleman-Williams against Tennessee.
Official word seems likely to come on Wednesday night when Alabama releases its first availability report for the week.
But the Crimson Tide might be without Coleman-Williams for more than just this weekend, based on comments made by sophomore WR Lotzeir Brooks after Tuesday's practice.
"He's doing good, just trying to get better, trying to get back," Brooks said of Coleman-Williams. "It's gonna be a little while, but just gotta go 1-0. Next man up."
Lotzeir Brooks says it's 'gonna be a little while' before Ryan Coleman-Williams returns
Coleman-Williams is dealing with multiple injuries, which could complicate his recovery. Prior to the head injury against Georgia, the junior WR was already dealing with an issue with his knee. For the past two weeks, he wore a bulky brace, and his mobility was clearly hindered as a result.
Even if he clears the presumed concussion protocol he's currently in, Alabama could be wise to let his knee heal up before putting him back out there. His explosiveness has already been compromised, and while he should be commended for his willingness to fight through the injury to contribute to this team, the Crimson Tide needs a fully healthy Coleman-Williams to reach its ultimate goals for this season.
Sitting him against Tennessee and Texas A&M, with a bye week after facing the Aggies, would buy him three full weeks to get healthy before the trip to Baton Rouge to face LSU on the first Saturday of November.
Coleman-Williams is the most talented WR on the roster, but Alabama has some quality depth that should allow them to navigate his absence. Lotzeir Brooks and Rico Scott have had strong seasons, and the Tide has three additional receivers waiting in the wings, thirsty for more playing time.
NC State transfer Noah Rogers, sophomore Derek Meadows, and true freshman Cederian Morgan should be able to step up and fill the void left by Coleman-Williams for now.
The good news, too, is that Alabama has been using more 12- and 13-personnel looks this year with two and three tight ends on the field, limiting the need for a lot of wide receivers. That has unlocked the ground game, and with Marshall Pritchett and Kaleb Edwards specifically being able to stretch the field as receiving threats, Alabama can still be balanced and versatile on offense even in heavier sets.
Those heavier sets could become even more frequent in the next couple of weeks if Coleman-Williams is indeed set to miss some time.
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