The absence of Josh Cuevas over the last few games isn't the only reason the Alabama offense has struggled. But it has certainly hurt.
Cuevas is not only one of the Crimson Tide's most reliable pass catchers, but he's also pivotal as a blocker, particularly in his ability to chip edge rushers before going out into the pass pattern. Without him, Alabama has had to rely on two true freshmen in the starting lineup.
He's one of Alabama's most important offensive players, and that's what makes Ty Simpson's comment on Monday so exciting.
Simpson said he was "very excited" to get Cuevas back in the huddle, pointing toward the senior tight end's ability to play on Friday night against Oklahoma in the College Football Playoff:
Ty Simpson says he's "very excited" to have Josh Cuevas back in the huddle. So there's additional optimism for Cuevas' return above what DeBoer said.
— Chase Goodbread (@ChaseGoodbread) December 15, 2025
Josh Cuevas seems likely to play against Oklahoma
Kalen DeBoer was non-committal on Cuevas' status on Monday, but seemed optimistic about his ability to play. During Monday's media viewing period of practice, however, Cuevas did not participate. Instead, he was on the side, riding the stationary bike rather than going through drills with the tight ends.
Cuevas last played a month ago during Alabama's regular-season meeting against Oklahoma. He had his best game of the season, producing six catches for 80 yards and a touchdown in the Tide's two-point loss to the Sooners.
He injured his foot in practice the following week, which caused him to miss the final two games of the regular season against Eastern Illinois and Auburn, along with the SEC Championship Game against Georgia.
Cuevas was listed as questionable during the lead-up to the SEC Championship against Georgia, but was ultimately not able to play. With another couple of weeks of rehab between the game in Atlanta and the opening round of the College Football Playoff, it always seemed likely that Cuevas was going to be able to get back on the field on Friday night.
Getting healthy has been perhaps the most important part of preparation for Oklahoma, as Alabama has been extremely banged-up over the last few weeks.
Cuevas has caught 30 passes for 341 yards and four touchdowns this season. He's been Simpson's safety blanket, and his return will be key for the redshirt junior quarterback.