Alabama didn’t just lose in Week 1 to Florida State; the Crimson Tide also lost their best player when Ryan Williams went down with a concussion in the second half. The star sophomore wide receiver was unable to return as the Tide fell 31-17, but he could be back for Week 2 when Alabama hosts Louisiana Monroe at Bryant-Denny Stadium on Saturday night.
Williams has been going through concussion protocol all week, and DeBoer updated the media that he’s been “coming along nicely” during his midweek conference call. Williams appears to be trending toward a return, but Kalen DeBoer could be careful with his return as Alabama is a 35.5-point favorite at home in Week 2.
Last season, Williams caught 48 passes for 865 yards and eight touchdowns. He finished second on the team in receptions to Germie Bernard, but led in receiving yards and averaged 18.0 yards per catch.
While he struggled in Week 1, catching just five of his 10 targets for 30 yards with three drops, Williams is too important to Alabama’s long-term goals this season to jeopardize losing him for a longer period by playing him in Week 2. He is officially listed as “questionable” for the matchup with the Warhawks.
If Williams misses the game or is limited, it will mean more opportunities for some of Alabama’s younger pass catchers (though it is hard to be younger than the 18-year-old Williams). Against Florida State, true freshman Rico Scott hauled in two of his four targets for 19 yards and a touchdown. He had been turning heads throughout fall camp and worked himself into a role even when the Tide are healthy.
Beyond Williams’s injury, transfer Isaiah Horton also left Week 1 after suffering a hip injury and is listed as questionable. However, early in the week, DeBoer shared a clearer update on Horton, stating that “assuming there’s no setbacks, I expect him to be at a pretty high level on Saturday.”
If Horton does play, it will give DeBoer even more leeway to be cautious with Williams.
Latest Ryan Williams Week 2 injury update:
Ryan Williams is listed as QUESTIONABLE for Week 2 against Louisiana Monroe.
Kalen DeBoer, on the SEC coaches teleconference, said Ryan Williams "is coming along nicely."
— Charlie Potter (@Charlie_Potter) September 3, 2025
"He's been on the practice field," but still in concussion protocol and considered day-to-day.
Williams has been a non-contact participant in Alabama's practices this week as he navigates the concussion protocol.