Alabama offensive lineman Jaeden Roberts carried off field vs. Tennessee

Alabama has not had the most ideal first half against Tennessee. They will go into the locker room down two scores, needing a big comeback to take down their SEC East rivals. Adding an injury to the list of problems is not ideal either, especially as the seconds ticked away in the second quarter.

In an attempt to get points on the board before halftime, Alabama was going quickly. When blocking for quarterback Jalen Milroe, right guard Jaeden Roberts was rolled up on and immediately went down in pain. Trainers rushed onto the field to attend to the offensive lineman.

By the time the SEC broadcast came back from a commercial break, Roberts was being helped off the field, not being able to put weight on one of his legs. Eventually, as Alabama and Tennessee were walking off the field, Roberts was seen being carted off.

Being so close to the halftime break, there has been no update provided on Roberts. However, after not being able to walk off under his own power, the news most likely will not be positive. Alabama may be looking for a new right guard coming out in the second half.

A worrying development for an offensive line already struggling to not just protect the quarterback but also run the ball.

***UPDATE*** — Roberts came back out to begin the second half, starting the third quarter. Alabama quickly scored to make it a one-score game, setting up for a great game at Bryant-Denny Stadium.

Jaeden Roberts is back on the field at RG to open the third quarter.

— Charlie Potter (@Charlie_Potter) October 21, 2023

Nick Saban impressed with Jaeden Roberts following first-ever start

Roberts has been able to crack the Alabama offensive lineman rotation but never broke through to a starting role. When Darrion Dalcourt went down with a shoulder problem, Nick Saban inserted Roberts at right guard, earning a start against Texas A&M.

Saban was more than impressed and decided to give praise to the third-year player out of the Houston, TX, area.

“I love to see guys like him, who have worked hard for two whole years and in his third year, gets an opportunity, especially in his home state, to go out and play,” said Saban ahead of the Arkansas game. “The guy has a good physical presence. He played hard in the game. 

“It’s really tough when you have a guy that practiced all week and then he’s not able to play in the game and the next guy’s got to go in. He didn’t have the same opportunities to prepare, but I thought Jaeden did a pretty good job of managing it and handling it and played with a lot of grit, determination and toughness and executed fairly well.”