NC State transfer WR Noah Rogers appeared to be on the path for a significant role at Alabama this year until he suffered a significant injury during the A-Day game. He beat his injury timeline, making his Alabama debut against South Carolina on the final weekend of September.
But he hasn't had much of a role so far, catching just three passes for 55 yards this season. That could change heading into the Crimson Tide's Week 7 matchup in Knoxville against Tennessee.
Star WR Ryan Coleman-Williams, already dealing with an injured knee, suffered a head injury in the fourth quarter of Saturday night's loss to Georgia. During his Monday press conference, Kalen DeBoer stated that there was a "pretty good chance" that Alabama wouldn't have him for this weekend's game.
While we saw more of sophomore Derek Meadows against Georgia when Coleman-Williams exited, this feels like the spot where Rogers, with his significant edge in experience, could finally play a pivotal role in the Alabama offense.
Ryan Grubb commented during his press conference that Rogers was pretty close to 100%, which could foreshadow an increased role this weekend.
Noah Rogers could step up in Ryan Coleman-Williams' absence against Tennessee
They've been slowly working Rogers back. Initially, the fear was that he would probably be out until November or even later, but he worked himself into a position to get on the field at the end of September instead.
Alabama has predominantly been using just three WRs this year: Coleman-Williams, Lotzeir Brooks, and Rico Scott. The main reason for that has been an increase in 12- and 13-personnel looks with the tight ends playing so well.
That has limited opportunities for Rogers, Meadows, and freshman Cederian Morgan. But someone will have to step up this week, with Coleman-Williams unlikely to play. I think Rogers makes the most sense with his experience, assuming he's up to speed and able to play at 100%.
If not, Meadows or even Morgan could step into that role. Realistically, all three guys should see an uptick in reps with Coleman-Williams out.
It's a big loss for Alabama with his ability to stretch the field. His gravity draws a lot of attention from defenders and has opened up a lot of underneath throws for others.
That will put a lot of pressure on Lotzeir Brooks to be the guy to do that down the field.
Against a really good Tennessee defense, Alabama will need Rogers or another to step up and make some plays this weekend to help the offense find success against the Volunteers.
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