We've heard all camp that Alabama's depth on the defensive line would be a strength, and that will be put to the test right away with a key rotational piece being injured in the preseason.
Junior Jeremiah Beaman, who missed all but one game last season with an injury, was hurt again during Sunday's preseason practice. While Kalen DeBoer didn't immediately say the extent of the injury, the way he worded it points to it being a significant injury.
“Jeremiah did get hurt yesterday,” DeBoer said. “We have an idea of what the injury is. I would wait to comment on it until we get a further understanding, and that would probably be tomorrow.”
DL Jeremiah Beaman goes down with an injury that will test Alabama's depth
That's a brutal blow for Beaman, who had positioned himself for a major role along Alabama's defensive line last season before tearing his ACL in practice leading up to the home opener against UL Monroe. He's worked hard to get himself back into position to play a big role for the Crimson Tide, so another significant injury would be a bummer for the rising junior.
The depth of Alabama's defensive line has been viewed as a strength in the preseason. The Tide added three impactful transfers in Devan Thompkins, Terrance Green, and Kedrick Bingley-Jones, who are projected to make up the starting trio up front.
The depth behind them is strong, too. I had Beaman projected as the backup nose tackle behind Green. With him missing what could be a substantial amount of time, that could put a lot of pressure on junior Steve Bolo Mboumoua, who is probably the most natural fit at nose.
Mboumoua has the power and hand violence to make an impact, but Kane Wommack recently noted that he still has some developing to do before he's ready for a big role.
"I think he’s got to continue to take steps in the right direction of just knowing what to do consistently, and that ultimately will define how many snaps he takes and in what situations," Wommack said.
Bingley-Jones has the versatility to get snaps at the nose, as does sophomore London Simmons. The versatility and the depth of the unit will be put to the test immediately with Beaman's injury.
DeBoer mentioned a possible update coming tomorrow, but that doesn't seem likely to bring good news. It's likely just further testing to confirm what the training staff already fears.
It's a brutal blow for Beaman, with as hard as he's worked to get back on the field, and it's a tough loss for the Crimson Tide's defensive line rotation that will hopefully have the depth to withstand it.
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