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Alabama football will be entering the 2025 season with high expectations. Following a 9-4 finish in 2024, which included a No. 11 ranking in the final College Football Playoff standings and a narrow 19-13 loss to Michigan in the ReliaQuest Bowl. The Crimson Tide averaged 33.8 points per game, ranking 22nd nationally, and allowed just 17.4 points per game, showcasing a balanced and formidable team. However, a few critical losses, including a 40-35 defeat to Vanderbilt, kept them out of the expanded 12-team playoff field.

As head coach Kalen DeBoer enters his second season, the pressure to lead Alabama back to the College Football Playoff is palpable. Analysts view a CFP appearance as the baseline for success this year. With the season opener against Florida State just weeks away, DeBoer faces the challenge of fine-tuning his roster and addressing key position battles. However, recently, DeBoer provided clarity on the status of two players who have been notably absent from practice scrimmages.

Offensive guard Jaeden Roberts and defensive lineman James Smith were both held out due to injury. Roberts, who started 12 games for the Crimson Tide last season, “got dinged up in the middle of the week,” DeBoer said. “Just stuff we’re dealing with, we’ll keep evaluating him. Don’t expect it to be a long-term thing, but we don’t know his timeline necessarily.” DeBoer assured that the staff will continue to evaluate his status. While the injury is not believed to be long-term, there is currently no set timeline for his return.

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Smith, a sophomore who appeared in all 14 games in 2024 and recorded 11 tackles, is continuing his recovery from an undisclosed issue. “James Smith continues to come along. I like the progress he’s shown. He didn’t scrimmage, neither one of those guys scrimmaged.” DeBoer noted that he has made progress but was not ready to participate in the scrimmage.

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These injury updates show how the Tide staff is juggling the inevitable challenges of fall camp while preparing for a threatening SEC schedule. Managing player health, especially at critical positions, will be key to Alabama’s pursuit of another national championship run. Fans can breathe a little easier knowing these absences aren’t currently long-term concerns, but patience will be required, especially when the upcoming season is inching closer.

In addition to these injury concerns, the most closely watched battle at Alabama right now is the quarterback competition. DeBoer has kept the focus tight on this pivotal position, and recently confirmed a timeline for naming the starter.

DeBoer sets clear timeline for naming Alabama’s QB1

With the departure of Jalen Milroe, the Tide have several promising candidates vying for the starting role. DeBoer has indicated that a decision will be made following the team’s second scrimmage. “I would have said before camp, we definitely gotta make a decision by the time we get done with the second scrimmage, and I would anticipate, for sure, that being the case.”

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Can Alabama Crimson Tide maintain their dominance with key players like Roberts and Smith sidelined?

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The QB1 battle between Ty Simpson, Austin Mack, and Keelon Russell is heated. But whoever gets the job, one thing’s for sure that it’s not going to be easy. The winner will have a job to bring Alabama back to where it belongs. The top. The history speaks for itself, and the legacy that has been built under some great coaches, including Nick Saban. It’s important for DeBoer and his boys to carry that legacy forward.

As the season opener is already approaching, Alabama’s ability to manage injuries and finalize the quarterback decision will be crucial. And it would be better for DeBoer not to delay the announcement, as it may affect the team’s performance and their confidence even before the season starts.

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Can Alabama Crimson Tide maintain their dominance with key players like Roberts and Smith sidelined?

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