Alabama football gets to rest this week, but it has a daunting task next week.
Kalen DeBoer will travel to an environment like none other in the Southeastern Conference and college football.
He will lead the Crimson Tide as a first-year head coach into Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, La. Alabama wants to be healthy entering a matchup that is another College Football Playoff elimination game. Coach DeBoer was at the Monday Morning Quarterback event in Birmingham (Ala.) on Monday. One of things he discussed to the local media was the health status of a second-year wide receiver. Cole Adams, a redshirt freshman, left the game versus Missouri with a lower body injury.
He was seen leaving Saban Field on crutches after an injury. Adams, a former four-star in Alabama’s 2023 recruiting class, is becoming a significant player in the wide receiver rotation. He is also the Crimson Tide’s starting punt returner.
Alabama WR Cole Adams leaving Bryant-Denny after win over Missouri. pic.twitter.com/M2ke25G5Iw
— Touchdown Alabama (@TDAlabamaMag) October 26, 2024
Adams has six catches for 94 yards and 11 punt returns for 58 yards.
DeBoer said he did not have an update on Adams at the event.
“That will probably be later today,” DeBoer said about an update on Adams.
Ryan Williams and Jaylen Mbakwe, both true freshmen, are immediate backups on punt return. Mbakwe is No. 2 on the depth chart behind Adams, while Williams is behind Mbakwe. Williams has returned four punts and Mbakwe has one return.
DeBoer said he trusts both Williams and Mbakwe to handle special teams.
“Bak (Jaylen Mbakwe) was the first guy we threw out there,” DeBoer said. “Sometimes, we just look at the situation. Are we looking to just get the ball caught or are we looking for an explosive play? We look at who seems comfortable back there and what has the week been like for those guys in terms of consistency. We are comfortable with both of those guys.”
We do not how long Adams will be out for, especially with this being his second injury of the season.
Hopefully, he makes a smooth recovery.
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Stephen M. Smith is the senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
