A week after Alabama may have finally found its starting five on the offensive line, the Crimson Tide could miss a crucial week of continuity against Eastern Illinois due to the uncertain status of senior center Parker Brailsford.
Kalen DeBoer revealed on Wednesday's SEC Coaches Teleconference that Brailsford's status was "up in the air" for Saturday's matchup:
Kalen DeBoer, on the SEC coaches teleconference, says Parker Brailsford's status is "a little bit up in the air" for the Eastern Illinois game.
— Charlie Potter (@Charlie_Potter) November 19, 2025
Brailsford appeared hobbled a bit against Oklahoma, so it comes as no surprise if he has anything lingering that DeBoer and the staff wouldn't be willing to risk further injury in a game that should be non-competitive. With the Iron Bowl looming - particularly with what's at stake - it makes sense to sit Brailsford this weekend.
It's just unfortunate timing as Alabama finally found a workable combination of five on the offensive line. It might not have looked like it, but the Tide's offensive line played its best game in weeks, something both DeBoer and Ryan Grubb noted on Monday.
Alabama rushed for 80 yards - 108 if you discount sack yardage - and while Ty Simpson was still sacked four times, two of them were due to improper blitz pickups by the running backs.
Alabama only played six offensive linemen last week, with the only rotation happening at left guard between Kam Dewberry and Geno VanDeMark. Kadyn Proctor (LT), Brailsford (C), Wilkin Formby (RG), and Michael Carroll (RT) played the whole way.
This would have been a nice week to get them all more snaps together against an inferior opponent to further work out the kinks prior to the Iron Bowl. While Brailsford could still play on Saturday, it seems unlikely that he will, given the quality of the opponent and what lies ahead for the Crimson Tide.
Geno VanDeMark would likely start at C in Parker Brailsford's place
Though VanDeMark has started plenty at right guard this year, along with shifting over to left guard, he's Alabama's most versatile piece on the interior. If Brailsford is out, VanDeMark will likely start at center in his place.
That's a steady drop-off with Brailsford being arguably the best center in the country, but it shouldn't matter much this weekend against Eastern Illinois.
The biggest question will be if Dewberry plays the whole way at LG - at least while the starters are in - or if William Sanders rotates in for snaps at left guard, too.
Hopefully, whatever is ailing Brailsford will heal quickly in time for him to be 100% for the Iron Bowl and moving forward. He's vital to the success of the Alabama offense.