“Alabama tailback Jam Miller sidelined after upper-body surgery following scrimmage injury, raising running back depth concerns ahead of opener.”
Alabama running back Jam Miller is currently sidelined and expected to miss the season opener after sustaining an upper-body injury during the Crimson Tide’s second preseason scrimmage on Saturday. The injury occurred at Bryant-Denny Stadium, and head coach Kalen DeBoer confirmed that Miller went in for a medical procedure on Saturday evening.
Miller, a senior from Tyler, Texas, emerged last season as Alabama’s most productive tailback, racking up 668 rushing yards and seven touchdowns on 145 carries. He also contributed 155 receiving yards, demonstrating valuable versatility in the Crimson Tide offense. The absence of such a key contributor represents a significant blow to Alabama’s backfield heading into the 2025 season.
Multiple reports indicate that Miller is expected to remain out beyond just one game. While the exact return date is still undetermined, On3’s Brett McMurphy has suggested a hopeful timeline, with Miller potentially returning by the September 27 matchup against Georgia, indicating he could miss at least three contests including the opener at Florida State, along with games against Louisiana-Monroe and Wisconsin.
In the aftermath of the injury, attention turns to the depth chart behind Miller. Several players are poised to step into more prominent roles, including redshirt sophomore Richard Young, sophomore Daniel Hill, and transfer Dre Washington from Louisiana. Additionally, true freshman AK Dear and redshirt freshman Kevin Riley remain in the mix as potential contributors.
Coach DeBoer emphasized that Miller is expected to make a full recovery, although he did not offer a definitive timetable for his return. Reports from multiple outlets indicate that the team is planning for Alabama to adopt a ‘running back by committee’ approach in Miller’s absence.
Heading into this season, the running back position was already a focal point of concern. Under DeBoer’s guidance, 2024 heavily leaned on quarterback Jalen Milroe for ground production, diminishing the rushing output from traditional RBs. In fact, Miller’s 668 rushing yards were the lowest for a team-leading back at Alabama since 2000. With Milroe now in the NFL and Justice Haynes having transferred to Michigan, the importance of a healthy and productive Miller had been paramount.
The injury comes at a challenging moment for the Crimson Tide. Alabama enters the 2025 season ranked No. 8 nationally and is expected to return to College Football Playoff contention, but the running game will face an immediate test. The season opens on August 30 at Florida State, and now without Miller, the team’s offensive balance is less secure.
Despite the adversity, there are reasons for cautious optimism. Young, Hill, and Washington each bring different strengths. Earlier in fall camp, DeBoer and offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb spoke positively about Hill’s pass-catching ability, Young’s potential, and Washington’s vision and physicality. The coaching staff’s confidence in these players may help mitigate the setback posed by Miller’s absence.
Additionally, Alabama’s strong offensive line and diverse skill-position talent may help ease the transition. Early scrimmage reports highlighted solid quarterback play and improved ball security—key components in sustaining offensive rhythm even with roster adjustments.
From a broader perspective, injuries are an inherent aspect of fall camp, and the Tide have historically shown resilience in navigating such challenges. The RB depth behind Miller provides structure for short-term adaptation. Furthermore, Miller’s status as a senior and respected leader confirms that his return, whenever it occurs, could still bring a critical boost to the team’s postseason aspirations.
Nonetheless, the early part of the season—particularly the opener at Florida State and subsequent games—will serve as a test for the depth chart and how quickly younger players can acclimate under game conditions. The outcome of these games will be an early indicator of Alabama’s ability to sustain their title hopes without their starting tailback.
In summary, Alabama’s Jam Miller suffered an upper-body injury during Saturday’s scrimmage, underwent surgery the same evening, and is expected to miss at least the season opener on August 30 against Florida State. His return timeline remains uncertain, with a potential return around September 27 at Georgia. Meanwhile, the Tide are preparing to utilize a committee of backs including Richard Young, Daniel Hill, Dre Washington, AK Dear, and Kevin Riley. The coaching staff remains optimistic about Miller’s full recovery—and about the current depth stepping up—but the next few weeks will be pivotal in testing the offense’s adaptability and resilience under pressure.
