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Kalen DeBoer’s Alabama Crimson Tide are gearing up for a Week 12 matchup with Mercer. The Tide are coming off a big win at LSU in Week 11, and a key player for the Tide got banged up in that matchup.
Starting right guard Jaeden Roberts went down with an injury just before halftime. The big lineman was unable to put weight on his left leg and had to be helped to the locker room. Roberts returned to the sideline but did not go back into the game.
On Wednesday’s “Hey Coach” radio show, DeBoer said Roberts could have returned to play against LSU if needed.
“He could have come back [against LSU] we just didn’t want to push it,” DeBoer said. “He’s working through the week and doing everything he can to get on the field Saturday. So I think it’s promising that he’ll be available, ready to go in some capacity.”
Roberts has been a key cog on the Alabama line this season. The guard has earned the highest run-blocking grade from PFF among all Alabama linemen. Without Roberts, Michigan State transfer Geno VanDeMark stepped into the lineup.
VanDeMark has been a utility piece on the line and would presumably start if Roberts suffers a setback and can’t play. Luckily, the Tide get to play an FCS opponent in Week 12 before wrapping up the regular season with a couple of conference games.
The Tide will kick off against Mercer from Bryant-Denny Stadium on Saturday at 2:00 p.m. ET. The team will then have a game against Oklahoma before ending the regular season with the Iron Bowl against Auburn.
Bryce Lazenby covers college football for Saturday Down South. A Nashville native, his previous stops include FanSided, Dimers, and The Leaf-Chronicle.
