Kalen DeBoer updates timeline for Kadyn Proctor return from injury

As Alabama got ready for its season opener against Western Kentucky, the Crimson Tide saw a standout offensive lineman go down with an injury. Kadyn Proctor left during pregame and didn’t play in the victory to kick off the 2024 campaign.

Kalen DeBoer didn’t have much new information Wednesday on the SEC coaches teleconference, but had an update on his radio show later in the evening. He called Proctor more “day-to-day” than “week-to-week.”

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DeBoer confirmed it was a new injury for Proctor, who’s sure to be a key piece of the offensive line in front of Jalen Milroe. He’s working to get back on the field, though, and DeBoer said it’s clear the goal is to return quickly.

“With Kadyn, unfortunately during the pregame, just suffered an injury,” DeBoer said of Proctor on Hey Coach and The Kalen DeBoer Show Wednesday night. “Something really brand new and stuff. Just things that he’s gonna work through. I think it’s more of a day-to-day than it is a week-to-week. If he had his choice, I’m sure he’d be out there on the football field this week. And we’ll see. We definitely, early in the week here, just got to play it really slow, and he’s doing really well.

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“I can tell you this guy is pouring everything into wanting to get on the football field. When I talk about pouring – it’s him and it’s other guys that just have other dings, but especially him – we’re talking six, eight hours a day in the training room. Just passionate about getting back out there. You don’t do that without having intentions of getting out there sooner than later.”

Alabama instead sent Elijah Pritchett to take over at left tackle due to Proctor’s injury. Pritchett spent all of fall camp at right tackle and competed for the starting spot at the position. DeBoer said he handled it well and pointed out the importance of reps at left tackle during spring ball that eventually paid off.

“He got thrown in there,” DeBoer said on the teleconference. “Certainly unexpected. Practiced maybe all but the first three or four practices, early in fall camp. He was at right tackle ever since then. In 30 minutes before kickoff, realizing you were going to be the starting left tackle now.

“I’m really proud of the way he responded. It didn’t feel like he was overwhelmed in any way. He took most of his snaps this spring at left tackle next to Tyler Booker. That was very helpful. Sometimes, it’s weird how things work out. A lot of those reps were valuable for him feeling comfortable on Saturday.”