Kalen DeBoer updates status of Jam Miller, Jaeden Roberts after missing Alabama scrimmage

Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer shared a positive update on the status of running back Jam Miller and offensive lineman Jaeden Roberts after Saturday’s scrimmage.

According to DeBoer, Miller did not participate in the scrimmage but could have suited up, while he stated Roberts “will be able to play Week 1,” according to BamaOnLine’s Charlie Potter.

Miller was dinged up during fall camp, DeBoer said, and was seen earlier this week wearing a no-contact practice jersey on Tuesday during running back drills. Meanwhile, Roberts has been dealing with a leg injury that he suffered during the spring game.

Keeping Miller and Roberts healthy and ready for Week 1 will be a priority for the Crimson Tide moving forward. Miller figures to be one of two Alabama running backs alongside Justice Haynes expected to carry the bulk of rushing production out of the backfield this season.

With 41 carries for 201 yards and one touchdown, Miller is the top returning running back at Alabama (QB Jalen Milore had more rushing production) after Jase McLellan left for the NFL and Roydell Williams transferred to Florida State.

Meanwhile, Roberts is considered one of the top offensive linemen in the country and a 2025 NFL Draft prospect entering his fourth season with the Crimson Tide. Roberts was a major factor in helping the Crimson Tide rush for a collective 2,417 yards last season, including helping Milroe establish himself as one of the top dual-threat quarterbacks in the nation with 12 touchdowns on 161 carries. Alabama rushed for 32 touchdowns last season.

While Milroe returns as a major rushing threat, losing 1,450 yards of production in McClellan and Williams leads to questions being asked regarding Alabama’s rushing attack. Miller and Haynes combined for 369 yards and three touchdowns last season with much more production expected out of them this fall.

Regardless, it appears as though Miller’s injury isn’t anything serious and with the offense healthy ahead of their first two games against Western Kentucky and South Florida. They’re given the chance to establish an identity in the run game early before the Crimson Tide turns up the heat on the road against Wisconsin in Week 3 — and especially against Georgia at home in Week 4.

Still, Kalen DeBoer and the Crimson Tide will tell you they aren’t looking ahead at anything other than the season opener against WKU on Aug. 31. Opening kickoff is set for 7 p.m. ET and will air live on ESPN.