Alabama Football needs Kadyn Proctor, but maybe not now

Kadyn Proctor is needed, not just by the Alabama football offensive line and Jalen Milroe, but by the entire Alabama Crimson Tide team. Proctor's performance at left tackle is essential to an Alabama Playoff run and the Crimson Tide's championship aspirations.

Does Alabama need Proctor to beat Wisconsin? The answer is probably not, though a road game against a Power Four team cannot be taken lightly. What is more sure about Kadyn Proctor is that Alabama would have little chance of beating Georgia without him.

So, is it worth the risk to play a recovering (and maybe not 100%) Proctor against Wisconsin? This week Kalen DeBoer has said Proctor has been practicing, "He’s doing well, doing a good job and really was heading in a really good direction right at the very end of last week and turned the corner I think there, and is in a good spot ..."

There is also a question of whether another Alabama Crimson Tide tackle, Elijah Pritchett is 100%. Pritchett played only a handful of late snaps in the USF game. It is an understatement the Alabama offense was more productive with Pritchett at right tackle. Wilkin Formby had a rough outing against USF. Some Alabama football fans have already given up on Formby. The Alabama staff does not share that opinion. Yes, Formby struggled against USF, but one of the holding calls against him was a joke. Formby's task was also made more difficult by some too-deep drops by Jalen Milroe, creating a too-big pocket to protect.

Arguably the weaker offensive line link against USF was transfer Geno VanDeMark. VanDeMark had two holding calls and a false start. VanDeMark is a key backup, who can play multiple positions, but now, the Crimson Tide needs Tyler Booker back at left guard.

Elijah Pritchett was the backup at left tackle before he incurred an injury. He only played late against USF because he was not 100%. Kalen DeBoer reported his few snaps on Saturday night caused "no more (injury) setbacks."

Elijah Pritchett and Wilkin Formby as Alabama Football starters against Wisconsin?

Pritchett and Proctor are expected to be available against Wisconsin. At least one college football expert is not sure Proctor will play against Wisconsin. On ESPN's College Gameday Friday Podcast, Pete Thamel expressed doubt about Alabama risking a full injury recovery by Proctor by playing him against Wisconsin. Thamel may be wrong, but Crimson Tide fans could see Pritchett and Formby as the starters at tackle on Saturday morning.

Recovery from shoulder injuries can be slow. Not having Proctor again would make for a tense situation, but if it is the best decision, Alabama can still prevail.