Alabama's projected starter at right guard heading into fall camp, fifth-year senior Jaeden Roberts, was held out of the Crimson Tide's second scrimmage of fall camp on Saturday. It was the second straight scrimmage Roberts missed.
In his post-scrimmage press conference, head coach Kalen DeBoer revealed the injury that Roberts is experiencing. According to DeBoer, Roberts has a concussion and is going through the concussion protocol. He didn't give a timetable on a potential return, but one would figure that, based on normal parameters, Roberts should be back for the season opener in Tallahassee.
The question will be whether his starting spot will be there waiting for him. With Roberts sidelined, fellow fifth-year senior Geno VanDeMark has been taking the reps at right guard with Texas A&M transfer Kam Dewberry slotted in at LG. Coming into fall camp, the expectation was that four-fifths of the starting spots on the Tide's offensive line were already spoken for with Kadyn Proctor, Parker Brailsford, Roberts, and Wilkin Formby. The only battle figured to be between VanDeMark and Dewberry at LG.
But the competition heated up during camp at RG even before Roberts went down with a concussion. He was receiving second-team reps in practice prior to the injury, sparking belief that his position as a starter wasn't as secure as everyone thought.
Another projected Alabama starter missed another scrimmage, per Kalen DeBoer
Roberts wasn't alone in missing Saturday's scrimmage. For the second week in a row, he was joined by projected starting DT James Smith. DeBoer didn't reveal the injury that Smith was dealing with, but noted that Smith is practicing and "is getting closer by the day." He continues to ramp up, and by all accounts, it sounds like he's going to be ready for Florida State in two weeks, and his being held out is more precautionary.
Alabama will need him. Unlike at offensive guard, where Alabama has two other starting-capable replacements for Roberts, the Tide is much thinner on the defensive interior, and a lot is needed and expected for the rising junior.
Outside of those two, DeBoer didn't think any of the other minor scraps and nicks were worth bringing up. The Tide getting through both scrimmages of fall camp in relatively good health is the best news coming out of Tuscaloosa.
Hopefully, Smith and Roberts can bounce back quickly and get back onto the field in time to play against the Seminoles.