Nick Saban reveals preseason injury to JoJo Earle

John Metchie and Jameson Williams are off to the NFL, meaning there is a major void to fill for Alabama at wide receiver. Jermaine Burton and Tyler Harrell were brought in via the transfer portal while guys already on campus such as JoJo Earle and Ja’Corey Brooks are expected to step into a more significant role.

However, the Crimson Tide will be without Earle for some time.

Earle suffered a foot injury in practice recently, Nick Saban confirmed during his press conference on Wednesday. The young wide receiver was expected to be a starter in the slot for Alabama to begin the season but is more than likely going to be out for some time.

Saban said recovery for the injury takes six to eight weeks.

“Maybe by Oct. 1 or something like that, he’ll be close to being ready to come back,” Saban said.

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Injuries have been a theme in Earle’s career in Tuscaloosa. Last season, he suffered a leg injury against New Mexico State, causing him to miss the final two regular season games of the year. While he did play in the College Football Playoff, Earle was not a major contributor and saw some time on special teams.

Earle was able to haul in 12 catches as a freshman, playing in 12 games. His career-long of 39 yards came early in the season against Mercer and totaled 148 yards and no touchdowns throughout the season.

Punt return has been his main course of contribution, returning 15 last year. Earle was not fully able to break one off but accumulated 88 return yards, with a long of 29 in the same Mercer matchup.

The On3 Consensus, a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average that utilizes all four major recruiting services, ranked Earle a high four-star prospect coming out of high school. A native of Aledo, TX, he was the No. 5 wide receiver in the 2021 class and No. 42 nationally. Earle was a top 10 prospect within the Lone Star State.

Alabama has recruited the wide receiver position well under position coach Holmon Wiggins, meaning there will be guys behind Earle who can step up in his place. Christian Leary had a fantastic spring game for the Crimson Tide and could be the perceived starter. The young freshman class has looked promising during fall camp as well.