Nick Saban explains how running back depth could impact Alabama's offense

The Alabama Crimson Tide’s offense could have to get creative with the running back position this week. They are down to two healthy scholarship players in Brian Robinson Jr and Trey Sanders.

Roydell Williams suffered a knee injury against New Mexico State and is expected to miss some time. Jase McClellan and Camar Wheaton have been out as well, dealing with a knee and meniscus injury respectively.

Head coach Nick Saban was asked what he has to change heading into Saturday’s matchup against Arkansas. He said they have prepared for a few scenarios but cannot adjust until the issues arise.

“I don’t think you can change a lot,” Saban said. “We’ve worked a couple of other guys there for over a month now. Those guys are functional at the position. We’ll probably look for somebody else on our team that maybe we can develop into becoming a functional player from an emergency standpoint if we need them. But I don’t really think we can change right now. We certainly have to have a plan if we have any more issues at that position.”

Robinson has been Alabama’s top rusher all season, having 823 yards on 164 carries. His 14 touchdowns lead the SEC, two ahead of Missouri’s Tyler Badie.

Trey Sanders has an opportunity for Alabama

With three running backs injury, former five-star prospect Trey Sanders has the opportunity to get some carries for the Crimson Tide. He’s dealt with injuries ever since stepping foot in Tuscaloosa, most recently a hip injury suffered in a car crash.

“I think he’s got a great opportunity,” Saban said. “I thought he played well in the (New Mexico State game.) game. It was good to get him some touches in the game. I think he understands the offense well, and I think he’s a very capable guy. Now that he’s gonna have a more significant role, it’s time for him to take advantage of that opportunity, as well. But we have every confidence that he can do that very well for us.”

Sanders only has 39 carries on the season, going for 195 yards and two touchdowns. Against New Mexico State, he replaced the injured Williams in the rotation, averaging 5.5 yards per carry and getting one of his two scores on the season.

Robinson has confidence in his fellow running back, saying he will continue to get better.

“The more opportunities Trey gets, the more confidence he’s going to gain,” Robinson said. “The more reps you take at practice, the more you go over to the meeting room, just the more he continues to just study and just go out and work hard, the more he’s going to gain confidence, especially when he gets in the game. He’s excited to get in the game.

“He just wants to go in there, and he wants to compete all the time. I think Trey’s going to continue to come along, and he’s going to continue to gain confidence for us throughout the rest of the season.”