Greg McElroy breaks down effect of JoJo Earle injury on Alabama

The loss of JoJo Earle will play a major impact on the offense of the Crimson Tide. As an experienced player on the Alabama offense and special teams, he would have been key to help facilitate the changes to start the year. He will be missing an extended stretch of time, though, with a Jones fracture in his foot. ESPN’s Greg McElroy thinks it could cause a significant drop off in the Tide’s receiving corp.

McElroy broke down what Earle’s injury would mean for Alabama during an episode of ‘Always College Football’. He says the lack of proven weapons makes Earle’s injury that much more of a loss.

“Nick Saban announced (Wednesday) that JoJo Earle, their slot receiver, talented return man, get the ball in space and let him work guy and a guy that was poised to have a massive breakout season? He’s going to be sidelined for six to eight weeks with a Jones fracture,” said Greg McElroy. “This is significant because we know that Alabama’s wide receiver corp, not that they’re depleted by any stretch, is in some ways unproven.”

Earle had 12 catches for 148 yards last season as a freshman. He was a weapon on special teams as well with 16 returns for 88 yards. After decent showings in 2021, Saban was expecting him to take another step in 2022. He was supposed to fill the void of other Alabama greats. Now, Greg McElroy says they’ll have to lean on less trustworthy options.

“JoJo Earle was going to fill a void there in the slot that was once occupied by Jaylen Waddle. Just get him the ball any way you can and allow him to do work in space,” said McElroy. “Him being absent could be a significant loss for the Crimson Tide. (They) are going to be relying on some inexperienced, explosive playmakers at wide receiver.”

The additions from the transfer portal will be great for the Crimson Tide this fall. However, it may take some time for them to acclimate to their surroundings. Alabama was expecting Earle to help them through the transition. With him out to start the season, their new additions and young wideouts will have to step up for Bryce Young earlier than anticipated.

“They still have (Jermaine) Burton, they still have (Tyler) Harrell, they still have young players like (Ja’Corey) Brooks, but this is a significant setback for a guy that Nick Saban said was having a heck of a summer and, so far up to this point, was having one heck of a fall camp.”