Alabama had two offensive linemen get dinged up in the Crimson Tide's 49-18 win over South Carolina over the weekend. First, LG Will Sanders exited the game and was replaced by Mal Waldrep. Then, Jayvin James went out in the fourth quarter and was replaced by Tyrell Miller.
Kalen DeBoer provided updates on the status of both during his Monday press conference.
DeBoer called Sanders' injury an upper-body issue, but said the junior guard should be good to go for this weekend's matchup at Mississippi State.
The news wasn't as good for James.
DeBoer said James was dealing with a lower-extremity issue. He was seen walking to the locker room with a walking boot on his foot late in the game against South Carolina. DeBoer called James' status for Mississippi State "very much" in question.
Tyrell Miller could get his first Alabama start on Saturday vs. Mississippi State
Originally listed as Alabama's backup left tackle before the start of the season, Miller shifted over to right tackle, trading places with Texas transfer Nick Brooks. Miller has gotten some reps this season as an extra offensive lineman in short-yardage packages. He played 14 total snaps against South Carolina and seemed to hold up pretty well in relief of James.
The injury comes at a frustrating time for James, however. You know this is a game he had circled on his calendar. He transferred from Mississippi State to Alabama over the offseason and has done an excellent job manning the right tackle position for the Crimson Tide after being the Bulldogs' starting left tackle last season.
The good news is that it doesn't sound like James' injury is going to be a long-term issue, but the Tide's offensive line has built some serious momentum, and his potentially missing the game would be a blow to the continuity that they've built.
But injuries are part of the game, and you almost never have the same line from start to finish through a year. Alabama already had to navigate Michael Carroll's injury in Week 2 at Kentucky, so this isn't unfamiliar territory for this group. It's the reason you want to have eight or so offensive linemen you have confidence in being able to play. Alabama has that with the starting five, and then reserves like Waldrep, Miller, and Brooks.
Miller is a guy the coaching staff has a lot of confidence in. He's a JUCO transfer who spent last season learning and growing. He's been geared up for a role this season and may get his chance to shine on Saturday in Starkville.
Add us as a preferred source on Google