Alabama starting offensive lineman’s status ‘in the air’ ahead of Eastern Illinois

3/3/25 MFB MFB Spring Practice 1 Alabama Offensive Lineman Parker Brailsford (72) Photo by Kent Gidley

Alabama football’s starting center Parker Brailsford could miss the Crimson Tide’s upcoming matchup against Eastern Illinois.

“He’s a little bit up in the air with where he’s at for this week, just from Saturday,” DeBoer said.

Joseph Ionata is the Crimson Tide’s primary backup at center. DeBoer shared an update on how Ionata has progressed this season during the SEC Coaches Teleconference on Tuesday.

“I think Joseph very similar to many of our guys on our roster that just continue to work,” DeBoer added. “You see the regulars out on the football field each and every Saturday. But there are definitely guys behind the scenes that are just grinding away in the weight room, on the field, just owning the day and the opportunity they get to go compete and he’s one of them. He’s understanding the game better from a football IQ, the center position is very important. He’s in a spot where you can put him out there and you feel good about what’s going to happen when he snaps the football.”

Brailsford has started every game at center for the Tide this season.