Alabama injury updates: Kalen DeBoer shares long list of absences entering spring

Spring practice brings a sense of hope and optimism but there is always a downside. Injuries keep players out throughout the next few months with Alabama being now different. Multiple big-time players are dealing with injury issues in Tuscaloosa.

Kalen DeBoer opened up Monday’s press conference giving the media is laundry list of names. He began with the guys who will not participate in spring practice at all. A few starters make an appearance after successful 2024 seasons.

“Alex Asparuhov, he’ll be out,” DeBoer said. “David Bird, our longer snapper on punt. Bubba Hampton will be out. KeVontae Henry, Domani Jackson, Deontae Lawson, Danny Lewis, Keon Sabb.”

Jackson, Lawson, and Sabb were all considered starters last year and will be once back to full health in 2025. Two actually sustained their injuries while playing last year in Lawson and Sabb. The linebacker against Oklahoma late in the season and then Sabb was shut down in mid-November after last playing vs. Tennessee.

DeBoer went on to reveal another tier of injuries but not as bad as the previous one. Three players — one offensive and two defensive — are set to be in non-contact uniforms through spring. All are expected to have big roles on the team too.

“Then we have some guys that are limited, really just to indie only and non-contact,” DeBoer said. “Justin Jefferson, Kadyn Proctor, and James Smith.”

If there is a positive to take from all these names being listed — DeBoer mentioned how none of the injuries are surprises for Alabama. A few are new to the general public but the Crimson Tide have supposedly been dealing with them since the season began on New Year’s Eve vs. Michigan.

“Pretty much most of those injuries are all just from last season still and expected,” DeBoer said. “Nothing new there from our standpoint. I know it’s probably new for you.”

Alabama began spring practice on Monday as Year 2 of the DeBoer era begins. While the recent trend around college football has been canceling spring games, A-Day will still take place in Bryant-Denny Stadium on April 12.

Aug. 30 is really the date fans have circled on the calendar. The season opener against Florida State will take place in Tallahassee, the first of 10 power conference games Alabama will play.

DeBoer has an important campaign in front of him and will be hoping to have this large pool of players back healthy in time.