Alabama LT Kadyn Proctor tore ligament in right ankle leading into Rose Bowl

Alabama starting left tackle Kadyn Proctor was not completely healthy heading into Monday afternoon’s Rose Bowl vs. Michigan. After the loss, Proctor told AL.com that he played through the game with a torn ligament in his right ankle. Proctor was able to play the entire game despite having the injury.

“Trying to treat it all week,” Proctor said to AL.com. “Today, tried to shoot it up. It felt good. It felt good today, played the whole game I’m proud I played the whole game with me injured.

“We’ve had some long meetings. Had long talks with our doctors and trying to figure out a good plan for us to get me on the field as fast as we can. We put a good plan together. The doctors did a great job.”

During pregame warmups, there was a moment when Proctor was not going with the first-team unit. Elijah Pritchett got a few reps, most likely just in case Proctor was not able to go. In what was an eye-opening move at that time, we now know why the coaching staff did it.

It was a rough game for Alabama along the offensive line, letting Michigan get pressure for nearly the entire game. Jalen Milroe was frequently surrounded by blue jerseys when dropping back to pass. The left side, in particular, of Proctor and Tyler Booker did not have the best performance.

Now, the injury may shed some light as to why Proctor was not playing like his normal self. Especially in the first half when the Wolverines were getting whatever they wanted.

“It was a little tough,” Proctor said to AL.com. “…. Just trying to shoot that up, get ready to play and provide for my team. I could’ve started out faster.”

At times, Proctor was a popular name among the Alabama fanbase after how his career started. He won the starting left tackle spot over Pritchett and really struggled. Pas rushers were blowing by the true freshman and sacking Milroe.

Proctor was able to find success as the season progressed. Going up against some of the best EDGE players in the SEC, Proctor was able to prove why he was a Five-Star Plus+ prospect coming out of high school.

This is just the beginning for Proctor, hoping to become the next great offensive tackle to come out of Tuscaloosa. There will be some injuries to deal with through the offseason but the development should continue heading into the 2024 season.