Alabama senior RB Jam Miller suffered a concussion in Alabama's 27-24 win over Missouri, which has put his status for this weekend against Tennessee very much in question.
While the first official availability report of the week will come out on Wednesday evening, Kalen DeBoer provided an update on Miller during the weekly SEC Coaches Teleconference. The update is about what you would expect three days before gameday.
Kalen DeBoer said RB Jam Miller (concussion) is questionable for this weekend's game against Tennessee.
— Blake Byler (@blakebyler45) October 15, 2025
WR Derek Meadows (concussion) is expected to be out.
Kalen DeBoer says Jam Miller is questionable for Alabama's game vs. Tennessee
Miller being questionable is not great news for the Crimson Tide. Tennessee's run defense has struggled this season, but Alabama hasn't fared much better running the football itself. They've fared the worst when Miller has missed games.
Miller missed the first three games of the season after suffering a dislocated collarbone in Alabama's final scrimmage of fall camp. Alabama failed to produce 100 rushing yards against either Power Four opponent without Miller. They didn't do it against Georgia with Miller back, either, but got it going the following week against Vanderbilt, led by Miller's 136 yards.
Against Missouri's No. 1-ranked run defense, Miller produced 85 yards on 20 carries. Alabama managed 150 non-sack rushing yards against the Tigers. While it was only at a 3.8 yards-per-carry clip, Alabama's ability to maintain offensive balance with the run was an integral part of the win.
Alabama's running back room behind Miller has struggled this year. Redshirt freshman Kevin Riley had a promising start to the season against Florida State and UL Monroe, but has managed only 83 rushing yards on 28 carries in the four games since. He's been effective as a pass catcher out of the backfield, but has struggled to find running room between the tackles.
Redshirt freshman Daniel Hill has been used as the No. 3 back the last couple of weeks. He got six carries against Missouri, and the staff leaned on him down the stretch after Miller's injury. He only managed 16 rushing yards from those carries, however, and for the season is averaging just 3.3 yards per carry.
Redshirt sophomore Richard Young entered the season as the No. 2 RB on the depth chart behind Miller and earned the start against Florida State. He has completely disappeared, however, and hasn't received a carry in a month. He did little with early opportunities, averaging 2.5 yards per carry on 19 rushing attempts in the first three weeks of the season.
Alabama will need someone to step up in a major way if Miller isn't able to go. He's a vital piece of the offensive puzzle, and the Crimson Tide's ability to beat the Volunteers on Saturday will be compromised without him.