Kalen DeBoer: Jam Miller, Jaeden Roberts likely to play Week 1, not expecting Jeremiah Alexander

Game week is finally here in Tuscaloosa, with Alabama set to open the season against Western Kentucky. Months of discussion around the Crimson Tide have taken place following Nick Saban’s retirement. Kalen DeBoer is stepping into the spotlight and will lead the team out Saturday night at Bryant-Denny Stadium.

Before getting preparations underway, DeBoer gave an injury update on three players — running back Jam Miller, guard Jaeden Roberts and linebacker Jeremiah Alexander. Two were on the positive end while the other is not expected to play against the Hilltoppers.

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“Jaeden and Jam, I would expect to practice and be ready to go,” DeBoer said Monday during his press conference. “… Jeremiah, I would probably not expect him. You guys have seen him, just know the timeline. It will be close, it will be close.”

Both Miller and Roberts are expected to play a huge role in DeBoer’s offense this season.

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Roberts is the projected starter at right guard, being a member of what could be college football’s best interior offensive line. Surgery was required on one of his hands, forcing him to miss a fall camp scrimmage.

As for Miller, he will be one of two running backs to receive carries. Justice Haynes should get plenty of playing time for the Crimson Tide but Miller does have more experience to this point. The third-year player rushed for 201 yards and a touchdown on 41 carries during the 2023 season.

Alexander was the only negative report received on Monday. He was recently spotted in a sling but the exact injury is not yet known. DeBoer maybe left the door open to Alexander getting onto the field but did not sound overly optimistic.

This offseason was one of change for Alexander, making the full-time switch to inside linebacker. Working with the second team unit during fall camp, Alabama could be without a key backup heading into the season opener.

Outside of those three, the injury report looks clean for DeBoer’s first-ever game as the Alabama head coach. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. CT, with ESPN having the broadcast. A new era of college football is getting underway across the country but a ton of eyes will be on Tuscaloosa.