Initial Alabama vs. Oklahoma injury report provides good and bad news for Kalen DeBoer

Nothing about the SEC Championship Game went well for Alabama, and the blowout loss gave the Crimson Tide the look of a team limping into the College Football Playoff. Now, however, as Alabama prepares for its Friday night first-round CFP game with Oklahoma, Kalen DeBoer’s team is getting closer to full health. 

Offensively, Alabama was without senior running back Jam Miller and senior tight end Josh Cuevas against Georgia. That left the offense particularly vulnerable in pass protection, with young players, Daniel Hill and Kaleb Edwards, filling in those roles. Ty Simpson was under constant duress and had one of his worst performances of the season. 

Jam Miller expected to return, Josh Cuevas listed as questionable for CFP first-round

While it’s not a guarantee that both will be back on the field when the Tide travel to Norman for a rematch with Brent Venables and one of the country’s most blitz-heavy defenses, Miller was noticeably absent on the team’s initial injury report on Tuesday. Barring any setbacks, he should be expected to play. 

Cuevas, who was out for the SEC Title Game and hasn’t played since the Tide’s Week 12 loss to the Sooners in Tuscaloosa, was listed as questionable, a considerable improvement from two weeks ago. 

The report didn’t feature all good news though. 

LT Overton listed as “out” for Friday night’s rematch with the Sooners

Veteran edge rusher, LT Overton, who is second on the team in total quarterback pressures and pass rush win rate behind Yhonzae Pierre, will miss Friday night’s game. He was listed as “out” along with Kameron Howard, Jah-Marien Latham, Dre Kirkpatrick Jr., Kevin Riley, and Jeremiah Beaman. 

Overton last played in the Iron Bowl, appearing for 51 defensive snaps against Auburn and finishing the contest with five QB pressures and one tackle. Earlier this week, DeBoer told the media, “With LT, continue to monitor him,” adding, “I would say he’s doubtful for this weekend.” 

Overton missed the SEC Championship Game with what was described by DeBoer as an illness or medical condition, and the second-year head coach has been reluctant to add any additional context to his situation or a timetable for his return. That lack of clarity makes it difficult to project whether he would be able to return for the CFP quarterfinals if No. 9 Alabama knocks off No. 8 Oklahoma on the road on Friday night. 

With Overton out in the SEC Championship Game, Qua Russaw, Jordan Renaud, Justin Hill, and Keon Keeley all saw snaps on the edge, while Pierre played the most snaps of any Alabama edge rusher.