Final Rose Bowl injury report casts doubt on key Alabama player's availability

Alabama's final Availability Report for the Rose Bowl brought some harrowing news.

Senior TE Josh Cuevas, who was not listed on any of the reports this week, was added on Thursday afternoon and listed as a Game-Time Decision:

Cuevas suffered a broken foot in practice during the week of the Eastern Illinois game. He missed that game, along with the Iron Bowl and the SEC Championship Game. He made his return two weeks ago in the opening round of the College Football Playoff against Oklahoma, catching three passes for 35 yards in the Crimson Tide's 34-24 win.

Cuevas talked to reporters on Monday night shortly after Alabama arrived in Los Angeles. He said he was "feeling great" and "ready to go for this game." It's not known what changed between Monday night and now. Cuevas was not listed on any of the injury reports until this afternoon.

Josh Cuevas is a Game-Time Decision for the Rose Bowl vs. Indiana

Cuevas is an important part of Alabama's offense. Even hobbled against Oklahoma two weeks ago, he came up with several big plays for the Tide, none bigger than his 23-yard catch and run that set up Alabama's first touchdown to aid in the comeback win.

Cuevas has been a safety valve for Ty Simpson all year long and has also been an integral part of Alabama's blocking schemes. To help the Tide's tackles, Cuevas consistently chips edge rushers before going out into his pattern.

For the year, Cuevas has produced 376 yards on 33 receptions and four touchdowns.

If Cuevas isn't able to go, then Alabama will be relying on the oft-injured redshirt junior Danny Lewis Jr., who is the best blocking tight end on the roster, as well as freshmen such as Kaleb Edwards and Marshall Pritchett. Edwards and Pritchett are both supremely talented, but they are a step down, particularly as blockers, from Cuevas.

Hopefully, the senior will be able to play. Alabama needs all hands on deck against a stout Indiana defense.