Ryan Williams was a surprising inclusion on Alabama's initial availability report on Wednesday night, the first of Missouri week. While he was listed as "probable," it still made Alabama fans uneasy to face the possibility of not having the star WR for a challenging road trip to Missouri.
Those fears are likely unfounded.
While the "probable" designation pointed to him almost certainly playing this weekend, On3's Pete Nakos pretty much confirmed that as well, though "expected to be available" isn't the level of confidence that some Alabama fans would hope for.
Sources have told @On3sports that Alabama wide receiver Ryan Williams has tracked well this week and is expected to be available against No. 14 Missouri.
— Pete Nakos (@PeteNakos_) October 9, 2025
Was listed as probable on the initial SEC availability report. https://t.co/VFGgkn4Cvx pic.twitter.com/gMFyLIfOfz
The injury Williams is dealing with is undisclosed, but it is believed to be a lower-body injury. He had a noticeable limp at times during Alabama's win over Vanderbilt a week ago. Williams has dealt with multiple injuries already this season. Along with the current ailment, Williams suffered a concussion in the second half of the Crimson Tide's loss to Florida State, which knocked him out of that game and forced him to miss Alabama's home opener against UL Monroe.
Against undefeated Missouri, Alabama needs all the help they can get on the road.
Ryan Williams is expected to play against Missouri
Despite missing a game, Williams is Alabama's No. 2 receiver so far this season behind only Germie Bernard in receiving yards. He's caught 21 passes for 336 yards and three touchdowns in four games. He was spectacular against Wisconsin, catching five passes for 165 yards and a pair of touchdowns. He almost had a second 100-yard receiving game a week ago, finishing two yards shy with six catches for 98 yards and a touchdown.
Despite his issues with drops, Williams remains the focal point of opposing defensive gameplans. Even when he's not making plays with the ball in his hands, he's drawing attention away from Bernard, Isaiah Horton, and Lotzeir Brooks, allowing them more favorable matchups.
In Alabama's 34-0 win over Missouri last season, Williams caught four passes for 53 yards.
Ty Simpson has the offense humming right now. They're getting better every week, and with Jam Miller sparking the running game, there's a lot more balance now.
While Alabama is certainly deep at WR, there's simply no replacing the star sophomore. If the Crimson Tide is going to pull out the road win over the Tigers, they will need Williams as close to 100% as he can get.