Alabama freshman WR was a surprising addition to Thursday's updated availability report for the Crimson Tide's road tilt against South Carolina this weekend.
Brooks was added with a "doubtful" designation and is unlikely to be able to play. With travel rosters limited, there's a chance that Brooks won't even travel to Columbia for the game.
The nature of Brooks' injury was not immediately made clear. There was no media availability with the coaching staff on Thursday, and Brooks was not included on Alabama's initial availability report on Wednesday. Whatever happened must have taken place during practice on Thursday.
Brooks has emerged as an important weapon in the Crimson Tide's offense as a true freshman. The New Jersey native has caught 16 passes for 255 yards on the season. After seeing a limited role in the season opener against Florida State, Brooks has emerged as the clear WR4 behind Ryan Williams, Germie Bernard, and Isaiah Horton.
If Brooks is indeed out, it will open up an expanded role for redshirt freshman Rico Scott, who scored a touchdown in Alabama's win over Tennessee a week ago. True freshman Derek Meadows could see some action, too. He has evidently cleared concussion protocol this week, as he was not listed on the availability report on Wednesday or Thursday.
Along with being in the WR rotation, Brooks has been Alabama's top kickoff return man, averaging just under 20 yards per return on six attempts.
Two additional names added to Alabama's availability report
Redshirt junior Danny Lewis Jr. has been battling injuries all season long. After missing the first three games of the season, Lewis made his season debut against Georgia. He caught two passes for 17 yards in the win over Missouri, but missed last week's win over Tennessee with an injury. Lewis was added to the availability report on Thursday and is listed as out.
Freshman Kaleb Edwards started in Lewis' place against the Volunteers and would seemingly be in line to do the same this weekend against South Carolina.
Senior offensive guard Geno VanDeMark was also added to the availability report. He's the only one of the new additions who seemingly has a chance to play, as he was listed as "questionable."
VanDeMark started the first six games of the season at right guard, but shifted over to left guard last week against Tennessee, with Jaeden Roberts taking over the right side. If VanDeMark is unable to go, Roberts would likely start again at RG with Texas A&M transfer Kam Dewberry, who started the first six games at LG, taking back over that spot.
It's never preferable to be down any offensive linemen, but Kalen DeBoer's rotation up front has allowed the Tide to build some quality depth on the offensive line that it did not seem they had in the preseason.