Star sophomore WR Ryan Williams was a surprising addition to Alabama's initial availability report for the Missouri game, which was released Wednesday night ahead of this weekend's road matchup with Missouri.
Along with the usual suspects out with long-term injuries - DL Jeremiah Beaman, LB Jah-Marien Latham, and LB Qua Russaw - the Crimson Tide had three more names added to this week's report with injuries not yet reported.
The good news is that Williams is listed as "probable", which means he should be good to go in Columbia. It's uncertain what the issue is that he's dealing with. Williams has already missed one game this season with a concussion that he suffered against Florida State. He sat out the Week 2 blowout win over UL Monroe.
Along with Williams, the two new names on the report are second-year players in WR Jaylen Mbakwe and LB Cayden Jones.
Jones is officially listed as "Out," joining Beaman, Latham, and Russaw. His injury is also unknown.
Mbakwe was seen with the training staff during the game against Vanderbilt after seeing a small amount of playing time. He is listed as "doubtful," making it unlikely that he'll make the trip to Colombia.
A healthy Ryan Williams is important for Alabama against Missouri
Despite the criticism he has endured this season for his issues with drops, Williams is still one of the best players on this team. His being healthy and able to play will be key for the Crimson Tide's offense. Even when he's not catching the ball, he draws a ton of attention from opposing defenses, which allows guys like Germie Bernard, Isaiah Horton, Lotzeir Brooks, and TE Josh Cuevas to get open.
Williams' six drops are tied for the national lead, but he's also produced 336 yards and three touchdowns this year despite missing a game. He had a monster 165-yard, two-touchdown performance against Wisconsin in Week 3. Against Vanderbilt, Williams narrowly missed his second 100-yard performance, putting up 98 yards and a touchdown on six receptions.
Jones and Mbakwe likely being out and not making the trip aren't nearly as big a deal, though both are core special team players. Alabama has more than enough wide receivers to compensate for being down a reserve in Mbakwe. Jones has been listed as the third-team Mike LB behind starter Justin Jefferson and backup QB Reese.