Kalen DeBoer Faces Another Injury Setback as Alabama’s Backfield Gets Thin

Preseason camp in Tuscaloosa was expected to help Alabama settle its position battles, but head coach Kalen DeBoer is instead dealing with an early test of his team’s depth. After EJ Crowell suffered a minor injury, another Alabama running back has now been sidelined after making a strong impression during camp.

On August 14, Alabama insider Brett Greenberg reported on X that sophomore running back AK Dear would miss extended time because of a lower-leg injury. Dear suffered the injury during Alabama’s first major scrimmage at Bryant-Denny Stadium and is expected to be sidelined for roughly six to eight weeks. The timing is especially unfortunate considering how well he had been performing in camp. Dear had already reached the end zone during the scrimmage before trainers had to attend to him.

DeBoer confirmed after practice that Dear had scored a touchdown earlier in the session before leaving with the injury. Reports later indicated that Dear underwent tightrope surgery and could be out for approximately two months.

The setback removes one of Alabama’s most explosive young backs from the lineup for a significant portion of the season. As a freshman in 2025, Dear made the most of his limited opportunities, averaging 7.4 yards per carry while recording three touchdowns in five appearances. His breakout moment came against Louisiana-Monroe, when he ripped off a 56-yard touchdown run.

Dear was expected to earn a much larger role alongside starter Daniel Hill this season. Instead, he will likely miss most of Alabama’s early non-conference schedule and could remain sidelined into the opening portion of SEC play.

The injury is also a major challenge for offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb. Five-star freshman EJ Crowell, Alabama’s “Mr. Football” award winner, missed the recent scrimmage with a minor injury. Although DeBoer indicated that Crowell should return to practice soon and be available for the season opener, having two young running backs dealing with injuries at the same time leaves the Crimson Tide with only a small group of healthy scholarship backs during the remainder of fall camp.

That puts increased pressure on Daniel Hill, who emerged as Alabama’s primary goal-line option last season and led the team with six rushing touchdowns. Junior Kevin Riley is also likely to receive an expanded workload after carrying the ball 59 times for 224 yards and two touchdowns in 2025.

The situation could force DeBoer and Grubb to adjust their offensive plans before the season begins. DeBoer favors a balanced attack in which a physical rushing game creates opportunities for explosive passes downfield. Hill brings a powerful, bruising style, while Riley provides more speed and a change-of-pace element.

Alabama could look for creative ways to maximize both backs, including using them together in certain formations or incorporating quarterback Keelon Russell more heavily into the rushing attack. True freshman Trae’shawn Brown could also be thrust into a larger role sooner than anticipated. Brown has reportedly impressed the coaching staff during camp, making him a potential solution as the Tide works through its depth concerns.

Despite the setbacks, Alabama still has considerable talent across its roster. The challenge now is whether the younger players can take advantage of the opportunities created by the injuries. Losing Dear is a significant blow, but his absence could accelerate the development of several players who otherwise might have waited longer for meaningful snaps.

Other Alabama Players Dealing With Injuries

The injury concerns extend beyond the running back room. Sophomore wide receiver Lotzeir Brooks has also missed multiple practices, including the team’s recent scrimmage, because of an injury.

Brooks played in all 14 games last season and finished with 32 receptions for 441 yards and two touchdowns. He also contributed 283 yards as a kick returner. With Alabama looking for more consistency from its receiving corps, Brooks was expected to compete for an even larger role this season.

The defense has also taken a hit. Freshman defensive back Jorden Edmonds, a former five-star recruit, suffered an injury earlier in the week and is expected to miss at least several weeks.

For DeBoer and his staff, the timing of these injuries could hardly be worse. Alabama has not even reached opening day, yet several players who were expected to contribute are already dealing with setbacks.

The Crimson Tide still has enough talent to contend at a high level, but the early injuries are putting their depth under pressure. How effectively DeBoer and his staff adapt—and how quickly the younger players step up—could become one of the defining storylines of Alabama’s preseason.