Kalen DeBoer talks plan at punt returner if Cole Adams misses time
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer did not have a new update on wide receiver and punt returner Cole Adams, who left the Missouri game because of an injury.
“That’ll probably be later today,” said DeBoer before talking to the Monday Morning Quarterback Club at the Harbert Center.
Adams suffered a lower-extremity injury on a first-quarter gain by tight end CJ Dippre, and he needed help off the field from Crimson Tide trainers, unable to put pressure on his left leg. After spending time in the sideline medical tent, Adams was carted to the locker room.
Adams emerged in street clothes and with his ankle heavily wrapped. He was on crutches, and after the game, DeBoer said the feeling was Adams would miss “a little bit of time.”
On the season, Adams has caught six passes for 94 yards as one of Alabama’s top receivers. He has also returned 11 punts for 58 yards over six games, both of which lead the team.
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When Adams went down, the Tide first turned to Jaylen Mbakwe to return punts. The freshman bobbled a return but was able to hang onto it, and after that point, Ryan Williams was back deep to field punts. The wide receiver ended the game with two returns for 15 yards.
On Monday of the bye week, DeBoer was asked about the return plan if Adams misses time.
“With Ryan and Bak in particular, just rotating those guys,” DeBoer said. “Really, it’s probably more about who we’re comfortable with. There’s a little bit with maybe what we’re trying to do specifically. Bak’s someone we’re very comfortable with, and we rotated Ryan in there, too. Both of them are guys we trust.”
But does the Alabama coach prefer to settle on one returner or continue using a rotation?
“Some of them might just be the situation,” DeBoer said. “Are we just looking to get it caught? Or are we looking for an explosive play? Who seems comfortable back there? What’s the week been like as far as those guys and their consistency? Cole’s that been way, and that’s why he was that guy up until we couldn’t play him.
“We’re comfortable with both of those guys.”
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