Alabama got some bad news on Thursday night with the addition of some new names on the injury report. The most notable name was freshman WR Lotzeir Brooks, who has emerged as a weapon in his first year in Tuscaloosa.
Brooks was listed as doubtful, with no further explanation so far as to what is ailing the star freshman receiver. Brooks has been Alabama's WR4 behind starters Ryan Williams, Germie Bernard, and Isaiah Horton, but has seen significant playing time. He has caught 16 passes for 255 yards this year.
Brooks had effectively become a co-starter in recent weeks. Alabama has the depth to withstand a loss to the WR room, but Brooks' talent is undeniable, and it will be a blow not to have him available in Columbia if he is indeed out.
More will be on the plate of the Crimson Tide's trio of starters, but there should be heightened roles for a couple of receivers down the depth chart as well.
Rico Scott and Derek Meadows likely to see increased snaps against South Carolina
Redshirt freshman Rico Scott is likely to be the guy who sees the most added playing time. Scott came into the season as the expected WR4 in the Alabama offense, but Brooks emerged and supplanted him. Scott has still seen a decent amount of playing time, however, and has made the most of the opportunities he has received.
Scott has caught eight passes for 75 yards and two touchdowns so far this season. He caught a touchdown pass against Tennessee last week. He also caught a touchdown pass in the season opener against Florida State.
Scott was a player the coaching staff raved about over the offseason. He's a capable player who would have a bigger role on most teams. Alabama's depth at the position has kept him off the field more than expected, but he should hold up just fine with an increased workload against South Carolina.
True freshman Derek Meadows could also see increased snaps. Meadows' stock had been trending up in recent weeks. He got in the game early against Missouri two weeks ago, and Ty Simpson targeted him with a downfield throw as Alabama looked to take advantage of his size advantage. Meadows took a big hit, unfortunately, and suffered a concussion that knocked him out of that game and forced him to miss last weekend's matchup against Tennessee.
But Meadows is not listed on this week's availability report, indicating that he has cleared concussion protocol and is ready to get back on the field.
Those two seem like the most likely to gain additional snaps, but Kalen DeBoer has options down the depth chart with reliable third-year guys like Cole Adams and Jalen Hale, as well as a talented sophomore in Jaylen Mbkawe.
Alabama's depth at WR is a major strength of this team. Brooks is a loss, but there's a lot of talent itching to get an opportunity.