Alabama Coach Kalen DeBoer Shares Crucial Updates on Key Injuries and Fierce Position Battles After Intense Sunday Practice Session

Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer met with reporters following Sunday’s practice to deliver his most detailed update yet on the Crimson Tide’s injury situation and the heated position battles that are starting to shape the roster for the 2025 season. As the Tide continue to ramp up fall camp under their new leader, DeBoer’s transparent approach gave fans and analysts alike an inside look at how things are progressing in Tuscaloosa.

Since taking over from the legendary Nick Saban earlier this year, DeBoer has brought a new energy and communication style to the Alabama program. Sunday’s post-practice availability was emblematic of his philosophy: direct, informative, and focused on both the short-term health of the roster and the long-term competition required to meet Alabama’s high standards.

Injury Updates: A Mixed Bag for the Crimson Tide

DeBoer started off by addressing the status of several key players who either missed practice or were limited in action.

The most notable name on the list was junior wide receiver Kendrick Law. A projected starter and one of the most explosive players on the roster, Law has been dealing with a hamstring issue since early in camp. DeBoer confirmed that Law was held out of Sunday’s drills as a precaution, but emphasized there’s no long-term concern.

“Kendrick’s progressing well,” DeBoer said. “We didn’t want to push him too hard today, especially with how valuable he is to the offense. He’s day-to-day, and we fully expect him back in full participation soon.”

Another offensive player receiving attention was redshirt sophomore quarterback Austin Mack, who is currently battling Ty Simpson for the starting job. Mack appeared to tweak his ankle during Thursday’s practice and was seen in a compression sleeve Sunday. DeBoer noted that the injury was minor.

“He rolled it a little bit but finished the last session,” DeBoer stated. “We’ve got great medical staff here. They’ve been working around the clock, and he looked much better today. We’re monitoring it, but he should be fine.”

On the defensive side, linebacker Jihaad Campbell, a breakout candidate for 2025, has been dealing with shoulder tightness. DeBoer said Campbell was held out for evaluation but remains “in great spirits” and is likely to return later in the week.

Freshman defensive back Zion Turner, a spring enrollee expected to contribute on special teams and possibly in dime packages, suffered a mild concussion last week. DeBoer said Turner is in protocol but improving.

“Zion’s doing everything he’s supposed to do. He’s a competitor, and he’s frustrated to be missing reps, but we’re going to put his health first. He’s already ahead of schedule in terms of recovery.”

One bright spot in the injury report came in the form of offensive lineman Elijah Pritchett. After offseason surgery on his foot, Pritchett was back in full pads for the first time Sunday. DeBoer praised his conditioning and leadership.

“Elijah worked his tail off to get back. The guys respect that,” DeBoer said. “He adds maturity and physicality to our line. We were excited to see him moving around today.”

Position Battles Heating Up Across the Board

While health remains a concern in spots, much of Sunday’s focus was on the ferocious competition playing out at several key positions — none more watched than quarterback.

Ty Simpson and Austin Mack continue to trade reps with the first team, with no clear leader yet emerging.

“It’s a great battle,” DeBoer said. “Both of those guys bring different skill sets. Ty’s got great experience in the system, and Austin’s got the arm talent and poise we like. We’re evaluating everything — completion percentage, command of the huddle, situational awareness. We’ll let it play out.”

DeBoer said a decision at quarterback could come “midway through camp” but emphasized he won’t rush it. He also mentioned that freshman phenom Keelon Russell has impressed with his poise and may be too talented to redshirt if he continues to develop.

“Keelon’s making throws you don’t expect from a freshman,” DeBoer said. “We’ll see how it shakes out.”

At running back, junior Jam Miller seems to be separating himself slightly from Justice Haynes and Richard Young, though all three are expected to contribute.

“Jam’s having a great camp,” said DeBoer. “He’s patient, explosive, and knows his assignments. But we’re lucky — all three of those guys can carry the load.”

DeBoer added that true freshman Jahari Williams, a summer enrollee, has been a “pleasant surprise” and could earn some snaps if he continues to flash in team drills.

Wide receiver remains another area of intrigue. With Kendrick Law limited, sophomores Jaren Hamilton and Cole Adams have taken advantage of extra reps.

“Those young guys are hungry,” DeBoer said. “Cole’s route running has taken a big leap, and Jaren’s physicality really stands out.”

The offensive line appears mostly settled, with Pritchett, Kadyn Proctor, Jaeden Roberts, Seth McLaughlin, and Tyler Booker getting most of the first-team reps. However, DeBoer emphasized that nothing is locked in.

“We’ve got to protect the quarterback better than we did in spring,” he said. “Continuity helps, but so does competition. Don’t be surprised if you see some movement there.”

On defense, the biggest spotlight remains on the secondary. With Kool-Aid McKinstry and Terrion Arnold off to the NFL, the cornerback spots are up for grabs.

DeBoer singled out Trey Amos and redshirt freshman Jahlil Hurley as two corners having strong camps.

“Trey’s using his experience and football IQ, while Jahlil is just an athletic freak,” he said. “That competition is making both better.”

Safety also remains a fluid position. Returners Caleb Downs and Devonta Smith have seen most of the first-team reps, but DeBoer noted that transfer safety Keon Sabb is quickly closing the gap.

“Keon’s a ballhawk,” DeBoer said. “He finds ways to make plays in practice. The back end is going to be a strength for us when we get everyone healthy.”

Linebacker depth is another area being closely monitored. With Campbell limited and Deontae Lawson working back from injury, young players like Justin Jefferson and Qua Russaw have received more reps and “aren’t backing down,” according to DeBoer.

Up front, the defensive line rotation is beginning to crystallize. Tim Keenan III and Jaheim Oatis are anchoring the middle, while sophomore Edric Hill and Texas A&M transfer Shemar Turner are showing strong pass-rush skills off the edge.

“Depth on the defensive line is always critical in this league,” DeBoer said. “We like our size, and we’re getting more explosive off the ball.”

Special Teams Emphasis and Leadership Growth

One area DeBoer has consistently prioritized since taking over is special teams — a phase that often goes overlooked but can change the course of a season. On Sunday, he spoke highly of punter James Burnip and kicker Will Reichard, both veterans who are expected to lead.

“We’re blessed to have veterans like Will and James back,” DeBoer said. “It gives you peace of mind as a coach. But we’re also seeing some great things from the young guys — our long snapper and returners are developing nicely.”

When asked who’s been returning punts and kicks in Kendrick Law’s absence, DeBoer mentioned Cole Adams, Isaiah Bond, and sophomore Antonio Kite.

“Cole’s got great hands, Bond has elite speed, and Kite’s fearless,” he said. “We’ll keep rotating them until we find the right fit.”

DeBoer closed his update by acknowledging the growth of the team’s leadership core — something he’s leaned heavily on in his transition.

“We’ve got guys stepping up vocally and setting the tone — Tyler Booker, Jaheim Oatis, Deontae Lawson when he’s out there,” DeBoer said. “That’s what we need. We’ve got a proud tradition to uphold.”

Looking Ahead: Scrimmage Looms Large

With a full week of practice ahead and the first intrasquad scrimmage coming up next Saturday, DeBoer made it clear that jobs are still very much on the line.

“We’ll learn a lot in the scrimmage,” he said. “Live reps are where the real evaluation begins. We’re not handing out starting spots based on reputation.”

As DeBoer continues molding the 2025 Crimson Tide in his image, Sunday’s updates served as a window into the balance he’s striking — maintaining the relentless competition Alabama is known for while injecting his own voice and approach into every position room.

And if Sunday’s practice and post-practice remarks are any indication, the Crimson Tide are already starting to sound like DeBoer’s team.