Ryan Coleman-Williams and two other Alabama starters expected to return vs. LSU

One of the biggest storylines heading into this weekend's matchup against LSU for Alabama has been the health of several key players.

The Crimson Tide's injury report lists five starters as "questionable", along with another key contributor in freshman RB EJ Crowell.

At least three of those five are trending to play.

Per On3's Chris Low and Pete Nakos, star WR Ryan Coleman-Williams is currently expected to play:

Coleman-Williams has dealt with various injuries. He suffered a concussion in the second half of the Georgia game, after already dealing with a knee injury coming in. He ultimately had an arthroscopic procedure on his knee, and he missed the Tide's matchups against Tennessee and Texas A&M. Getting him back would be huge for the Tide's offense.

Later on the Pat McAfee Show, Nick Saban mentioned that starting center Racin Delgatty and starting DT Terrance Green, along with Coleman-Williams, would be back for Alabama in Baton Rouge:

Ryan Coleman-Williams, Racin Delgatty, and Terrance Green trending toward a return for Alabama

Saban's comments support what has been expected based on several factors this week. Yhonzae Pierre let it slip earlier this week that Green would be back this weekend. Rico Scott did the same thing regarding Coleman-Williams.

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And while there hasn't been a word regarding Delgatty, he was seen in practice video earlier this week, too.

Coleman-Williams is Alabama's top receiver, and he makes an impact whether he's getting the ball or not. His gravity opens things up for other receivers to make plays.

Alabama's run defense hasn't been the same without Green, who has missed the last two games after getting banged up during the first half of the Georgia game. His return will be helpful for the Tide's defensive front against a stout LSU offensive line.

As for Delgatty, his injury coincided with Alabama's worst two rushing performances of the year against Tennessee and Texas A&M. That's not a coincidence. Getting him back should open things up for the Tide's run game, something they will have to do effectively to maintain balance and not put too much pressure on the shoulders of Keelon Russell.

There's been no word yet on Zabien Brown, Will Sanders, or EJ Crowell. Brown got banged up during the Tennessee game and missed the following week against Texas A&M. He's Alabama's best CB, so it would be a difficult loss if he misses this weekend's game.

Sanders had tightrope surgery after going down with an ankle injury against Texas A&M. If he's unable to go, Mal Waldrep will slide back over to left guard, assuming Delgatty is good to go at center. Michigan transfer Kayden Strayhorn would be next up at LG if Waldrep had to play center.

We'll see later this evening when Alabama's Friday availability report comes out if there is an upgrade on the status of any of these guys, but getting at least a few of them back will be a boost as the Crimson Tide looks to pull out a road upset in Death Valley.

UPDATE:

Alabama's NIL entity - Yea-Alabama - announced on Friday that Coleman-Williams, Delgatty, and Green have all been cleared to play:

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