Kalen DeBoer updates status for Alabama’s Tim Keenan, Jam Miller
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In its season-opening loss to Florida State, Alabama gained just 87 net rushing yards and gave up 230. The line of scrimmage was a mess for the Crimson Tide, who fell 31-17 and tumbled from No. 8 in the AP poll down to No. 21 as a result.
Help could be arriving sooner rather than later.
Coach Kalen DeBoer said Wednesday on the SEC coaches teleconference call that defensive tackle Tim Keenan III and running back Jam Miller are progressing nicely as they work back from injury.
“Tim Keenan will not be available this week, but he’s doing really well,” DeBoer said, per AL.com’s Nick Kelly. “Making the progress we would have expected. This is not a long-term injury for him.”
Keenan is said to be dealing with a lower-body injury. James Smith and Jeremiah Beaman started on the defensive line. Edric Hill, London Simmons, and Isaia Faga also saw snaps along the interior of the defensive line. Smith led the group with 3 tackles, but Alabama only created 3 tackles for loss in the game.
Miller is working his way back from a dislocated collarbone. Richard Young let the team in carries with 9 for 26 yards against FSU. Kevin Riley had 5 carries for 31 yards while Daniel Hill had 3 for 9 yards. When healthy, Miller was expected to be the bell cow.
“Jam is doing really well,” DeBoer said. “Will not be available this week, but coming along as good as you could have expected. We knew there would be a possibility for next week. That’s certainly still the case.”
DeBoer also revealed on the call that wideout Ryan Williams is still in concussion protocol.
The Crimson Tide (0-1) host UL Monroe (1-0) at 7:45 p.m. ET on Saturday at Bryant-Denny Stadium. They are a 36.5-point favorite in the game, per bet365. Alabama welcomes Wisconsin to town in Week 3 for a noon kick.
Derek Peterson does a bit of everything, not unlike Taysom Hill. He has covered Oklahoma, Nebraska, the Pac-12, and now delivers CFB-wide content.
