After a positive opening to the 2026 season, Alabama's offensive line is looking to build upon that performance in Week 2 at Kentucky. Unfortunately, it looks like they're going to have to do it without their best player.
Sophomore guard Michael Carroll, the lone returning starter for the Crimson Tide from last season, was listed as doubtful on Alabama's first availability report on Wednesday night. It's not immediately known what the issue with Carroll is. The availability report came out during Kalen DeBoer's weekly radio show, but he was not asked about Carroll.
After starting five games at right tackle last season for Alabama, Carroll kicked inside to his more natural position of guard for 2026. He had an excellent start to the season, combining with Mississippi State transfer Jayvin James to open up some consistent holes on the right side of the offensive line.
The talk of the preseason was this unit gaining continuity together with less rotation than last year. Heading into Week 2, Alabama looks set to have to make a change already, putting them in a tough spot for the SEC opener. The whole availability report looked like this:
- WR Noah Rogers - Out
- DB Jorden Edmonds - Out
- LB Cayden Jones - Out
- DB Nick Sherman - Out
- DL Jeremiah Beaman - Out
- OL Michael Carroll - Doubtful
- RB AK Dear - Questionable
- DB Jireh Edwards - Questionable
Michael Carroll listed as doubtful on Alabama's first availability report of Kentucky week
Ole Miss transfer Ethan Fields was listed as Carroll's backup when Alabama released its depth chart last week, but that's not a guarantee that he'll be the one to move into the starting group. Will Sanders and Mal Waldrep spent all of fall camp battling for the left guard job, and one of them may kick over to RG in Carroll's place.
Fields would bring more experience as a senior who has seen action in 19 games, but he's been a career backup to this point.
The other option is Texas transfer Nick Brooks, who finished runner-up to James in the battle at RT. He could kick inside to guard, which he played some last season as a true freshman for the Longhorns.
Regardless of who ultimately takes Carroll's place, it's tough to see it as anything but a downgrade. Carroll is not only the best offensive lineman on Alabama's roster, but he is one of the best in the entire country. Hopefully whatever he's dealing with is minor, and he'll be able to get back on the field soon. Alabama can't afford to have him out for an extended period of time.
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