Heading into their first road game of the year on Saturday against Wisconsin, the Alabama Crimson Tide are a little banged up but appear to have “dodged a lot of bullets” in regards to long-term injuries.
Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer provided an updated injury report on the SEC teleconference Wednesday.
DeBoer mentioned that wide receiver and punt returner Cole Adams is doubtful for the upcoming game against Wisconsin, but his injury isn't as severe as it looked on TV. Adams’ arm gave way after making a catch against South Florida, and he was later seen walking to the locker room with his arm in a sling.
"He will probably be doubtful for this game, as we just go through the week and the reps guys are taking," DeBoer said Wednesday on the SEC teleconference. "More than likely, he'll be doubtful there. It's not an injury to where — I think, he dodged a lot of bullets with just how quickly he's gonna be coming back. That was great news for our program here the last couple days, just with further assessments and the process he's going through to get back on the football field."
Starting left tackle Kadyn Proctor missed the first two games after injuring his shoulder during pregame warmups in the season opener but could see his first snaps on Saturday.
"He's been practicing," DeBoer said. "He's doing well. Doing a good job. Really was headed in a really good direction right at the very end of last week. Turned the corner, I think, there. Is in a good spot here. Done a nice job here in the first two days of practice."
Elijah Pritchett earned the start in the season opener at left tackle in place of Proctor but played through an ankle injury sustained during the game. For last Saturday's game, Alabama shifted left guard Tyler Booker to left tackle, with Geno VanDeMark starting at left guard. Wilkin Formby, who seemed to win the fall camp competition over Pritchett, started the first two games at right tackle, while Pritchett played only the final series against South Florida.
On Wednesday DeBoer said that the Crimson Tide were still trying to figure out the combination that would be used against Wisconsin but mentioned Pritchett’s health had improved.
"He finished the game out on Saturday and really had no more setbacks, which was great," DeBoer said. "Something we were just concerned about and didn't want that to hold him back. ... He's in a good spot right now, as well. We're working through that plan and just the rotation with the offensive line."
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