“Alabama already missing one of its top offensive weapons two weeks before the 2025 season opener amid scrimmage injury concerns.”
Alabama football finds itself in a precarious position, with the Crimson Tide still two weeks away from their highly anticipated 2025 season opener, yet already missing one of the program’s premier offensive playmakers. Senior running back Jam Miller, Alabama’s top returning tailback and a key piece of head coach Kalen DeBoer’s offensive game plan, sustained an upper-body injury during the most recent scrimmage. The injury occurred during live action at Bryant-Denny Stadium, and the severity was significant enough that Miller underwent a medical procedure that same evening. The expectation among team insiders is that he will be sidelined for the season opener against Florida State, though no exact timetable for his return has been provided.
This is a considerable blow to an offense that identified Miller as a critical contributor heading into the new campaign. Last season, Miller carried the ball 145 times for 668 rushing yards and seven touchdowns, while also serving as a dependable receiving option out of the backfield—logging 16 catches for 155 yards and another score. His versatility in both running and passing situations earned him trust from the coaching staff and made him one of the primary pillars of Alabama’s offensive identity.
The timing of this setback couldn’t be worse. With the opener just two weeks away, Alabama’s depth in the rush game will be tested. The coaching staff is left scrambling to assemble a new rotation of tailbacks who can sustain the physical demands against a competitive Florida State defense. The leading candidates are redshirt sophomore Richard Young, sophomore Daniel Hill, and Louisiana transfer Dre Washington—each with their own unique skill sets that could offset Miller’s absence.
Young brings a bruising, north-south running style that his coaches believe can wear down defenses early. Hill is viewed as more of a versatile receiver out of the backfield, adding a layer of flexibility to help compensate for lost offensive dimensions. Meanwhile, Washington adds valuable experience from a different system, offering a physical, instinctive approach near the goal line. Their collective challenge will be to replicate Miller’s production—and more importantly, preserve Alabama’s offensive balance amid a high-stakes start to the season.
Missing Miller so close to kickoff inevitably raises questions about Alabama’s offensive continuity. The Tide offense was already undergoing a transition into the new system under DeBoer, seeking to balance between the power running game and a more modern, spread-oriented attack. Losing a top back at this stage disrupts timing, chemistry, and the rhythm that typically builds during preparation. Even more, it increases pressure on the passing game, the offensive line, and the quarterback, who will now have to shoulder added weight without Miller’s complementary threat.
Stepping into the quarterback role is redshirt junior Ty Simpson, who was formally named the starter earlier this week. Simpson lacks the dual-threat mobility of his predecessor, Jalen Milroe, but brings pocket passing strength and ball security, attributes that win confidence among coaches. With Miller out, Simpson’s ability to distribute the ball effectively to wide receivers and tight ends like standout Ryan Williams will become even more critical.
Meanwhile, the offensive line must continue to anchor the unit—returning cornerstone linemen including left tackle Kadyn Proctor, guard Jaeden Roberts, and center Parker Brailsford provide a stabilizing presence. Their performance will carry added importance with no sure hand in the backfield behind them.
Coach DeBoer chose measured calm in the aftermath of the injury, stating only that Miller “should recover fully,” with the exact timeline still under evaluation. That cautious optimism underscores the medical staff’s belief that Miller could return mid-season—if rehabilitation progresses well—but it also reflects the reality that, right now, the running game will need to adapt intelligently in his absence.
From a broader perspective, Alabama’s offense is anchored not solely around one player but by systemic depth and adaptability. The Crimson Tide have cultivated talent across multiple positions, from tight ends to wide receivers and offensive line. Should Miller be sidelined longer than anticipated, the staff will likely expand the role of multi-purpose backs and involve receivers in screen and short-yardage schemes to maintain balance.
At the same time, Alabama’s depth will be tested in a high-pressure environment. The opener vs. Florida State looms large, not only as a season kickoff but as a marquee matchup that could shape the narrative around this year’s squad. The absence of Miller reduces the explosiveness of the offense, both in terms of raw yardage and deceptive versatility. Executing against a Florida State defense, which will surely test the line and backfield in equal measure, will be a stern early trial.
Looking ahead, much will hinge on how quickly Young, Hill, or Washington can assimilate game plan responsibilities and hit the ground running—literally and figuratively. If one or more can match Miller’s production in part—say, with short-yardage efficiency, receiving aptitude, or sustained yardage gains—Alabama’s offense can remain afloat until Miller returns. Once healthy, Miller’s return could provide a powerful three-headed threat, making the backfield one of the most dangerous in the nation later in the season.
To recap: Alabama faces a significant setback two weeks before their 2025 season opener. Jam Miller, the top returning rusher and a dual-threat offensive weapon, suffered an upper-body injury in a scrimmage and underwent a medical procedure. The leading candidates to fill the void include Richard Young, Daniel Hill, and Dre Washington, while Quinn Simpson leads at quarterback, supported by a sturdy offensive line and explosive receivers. Coach DeBoer remains optimistic about Miller’s recovery, but until then, the offense must lean on depth and adaptability to open the season on time.
