Much-needed reinforcements could be on the way for the Alabama offense.
According to Kalen DeBoer, star RB Jam Miller could be back quicker than anyone thought. While Miller will miss this week's game against UL Monroe, he could return for the Crimson Tide's matchup next week against Wisconsin.
Kalen DeBoer said Jam Miller "is doing really well and will not be available this week but coming along as good as you could expect."
— Charlie Potter (@Charlie_Potter) September 3, 2025
Said there is a possibility for Miller to return next week vs. Wisconsin.
Miller, Alabama's leading returning rusher, suffered a dislocated collarbone in the Tide's second and final scrimmage of fall camp. That forced him to miss the season-opener against Florida State and will cause him to miss a second game in a row this Saturday.
The original target date for Miller's return was Georgia on September 27th, but Miller has progressed well enough that he could see the field next week when Wisconsin comes to Tuscaloosa.
Alabama needs a jump-start to the run game that Jam Miller can provide
Miller potentially making his return two weeks earlier than expected could be a sign from him and the coaching staff that they understand they have no time to waste. They need the offense to gel in the next two games before making the road trip to face Georgia at the end of the month.
Alabama's offense can't gel if they don't get more out of the run game. Without Miller in Tallahassee, the Tide mustered only 87 total rushing yards. After grinding out 55 yards on 12 carries during the opening drive of the game, Alabama managed only 32 rushing yards on 17 carries the remainder of the game.
There were plenty of reasons for that, including Grubb getting away from the run too early in a game Alabama fell behind by two scores before halftime. The offensive line failed to get a great push after the opening drive as well. But the backs also didn't trust what they saw, partially because the main guys who played don't have the game experience that Miller does.
Miller can't fix the first couple of issues, but he can certainly fix the third. He'll provide a big boost to the Tide's offense not just on the ground, but with his ability as a pass catcher out of the backfield as a safety valve for Ty Simpson.
You can understand the need to be cautious with Miller, but you can also tell there is an increased sense of urgency around the program following a disappointing loss to open what was expected to be such a promising year.