Alabama will likely be without one of its top edge rushers for a second straight game. During a Monday news conference, Kalen DeBoer listed LT Overton as doubtful for Friday’s first-round playoff game against Oklahoma.
Overton missed the SEC Championship Game due to “medical issues.” He was replaced by Jordan Renaud, who recorded two tackles, including a stop for a loss, to go with a quarterback hurry during Alabama’s 28-7 loss to Georgia.
Overton has started 12 games for Alabama this season, recording 35 tackles, including six stops for a loss and four sacks. According to Pro Football Focus, he ranks second on the team with 24 quarterback pressures.
While Alabama will likely be without Overton, DeBoer provided a positive report on running back Jam Miller (lower leg) center Parker Brailsford (foot) and tight end Josh Cuevas (foot).
Miller and Cuevas did not play during the SEC Championship Game, while Brailsford struggled during his start against Georgia.
“Parker’s doing good, he’s been practicing,” DeBoer said. “Jam, he’s making good progress, just kind of continuing to see how the week goes along. You guys saw him out there doing some things today. Cuevas, very similar to Jam, making progress out there, doing some work.
“I guess you’re optimistic at the point. We still got four days at this point, so those guys are heading in a good direction, making good progress. We’ll continue to evaluate them moving forward, but you guys saw them out there doing some things today.”
During Monday’s open period of practice, Cuevas was seen in full pads without a boot on his foot while riding a stationary bike. Over 10 starts this season, the redshirt senior has 30 receptions for 341 yards and four touchdowns. According to PFF, he ranks sixth on the team with a 76.5 pass-blocking grade and also has a 58.1 run-blocking mark.
“I think everyone knows Josh is an excellent player,” quarterback Ty Simpson said when asked about Cuevas on Monday. “Not only is he great in the pass game, but he’s great in the run game as well. Being able to just see him on the field and have his presence is just remarkable. Especially having him in the huddle, just a different type of vibe when he’s in there.
Miller and Brailsford were back in full pads working with the offense during Monday’s open period of practice.
Miller has started eight games over nine appearances. The senior leads Alabama with 493 rushing yards to go with three touchdowns on the ground. He also has 18 receptions for 108 yards.
Brailsford has started 12 games this season, ranking third on the team with 800 offensive snaps. The redshirt junior has 75.8 pass-blocking grade and a 55.0 run-blocking grade, according to PFF.
No. 9 Alabama will travel to No. 8 Oklahoma for a 7 p.m. CT kickoff on Friday in the first round of the College Football Playoff. The game will be televised on ABC and ESPN.
