Full Breakdown
Alabama’s Fall-Camp Scrimmage Marred by Injuries to Key Skill Players
8/14/2026, 4:34:59 AM
Core Event
During the first scrimmage of the 2026 fall camp at Bryant-Denny Stadium, Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer reported that sophomore running back AK Dear suffered an injury after scoring a touchdown, and freshman running back EJ Crowell did not participate. Wide receiver Lotzeir Brooks also missed the scrimmage, with the program citing a concussion. DeBoer indicated that both running backs would miss a few practices but are expected to be available for games later in the season.
Background & Context
Alabama entered the 2026 preseason seeking to revitalize a run game that ranked 126th nationally last year (averaging 3.4 yards per carry). Offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb has publicly emphasized “resurrecting the run game,” a task that now faces uncertainty after the injuries to Dear and Crowell. The loss of senior wide receiver Germie Bernard to the NFL last season had already elevated the importance of the remaining receivers, making Brooks’s concussion another setback for the offense.
Data & Statistics
- AK Dear: Appeared in five games last season, carrying the ball 19 times for 149 yards and three touchdowns, including a 56-yard run against Louisiana-Monroe.
- EJ Crowell: Ranked the nation’s No. 2 running-back recruit by 247Sports; missed most of spring practice due to a boot injury.
- Lotzeir Brooks: Recorded 32 receptions for 441 yards (13.8 avg) and two touchdowns as a true freshman, highlighted by a breakout performance in the College Football Playoff win over Oklahoma.
- Additional running-back depth includes junior Daniel Hill, junior Kevin Riley, freshman Trae’shawn Brown, and senior Khalifa Keith.
Official Statements & Responses
Coach DeBoer provided a concise status update after the scrimmage. The coaching staff did not set a specific timeline for the players’ return.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
No source provided a definitive timeline for Dear’s or Crowell’s return, and none offered medical specifics beyond the general expectation of missing “a few practices.” The exact nature of Brooks’s concussion was not disclosed, leaving a gap in understanding the potential short-term impact on the receiver corps.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Lotzeir's missed a couple of practices and did not scrimmage today,” — Kalen DeBoer, head coach
- “EJ (Crowell) did not scrimmage today,” — Kalen DeBoer, head coach
- “Lotzeir missed a couple practices and did not scrimmage today, and will just be out for a few more practices, I would expect,” — Kalen DeBoer, head coach
- “He'll be out for a few practices here,” — Kalen DeBoer, head coach
What’s Next
Alabama will resume practice on Sunday, August 16 and plans a second scrimmage in the week leading up to its season opener against East Carolina on Saturday, September 5. The upcoming sessions will be critical for assessing the health of Dear and Crowell and for determining how the running-back rotation will shape up before the first game.
