Alabama is getting a boost at just the right time.
Head coach Kalen DeBoer confirmed that tight ends Josh Cuevas and Danny Lewis Jr. will be available for the Crimson Tide’s College Football Playoff showdown with Oklahoma on Friday, Dec. 19. Both players had been listed as questionable on the team’s initial availability report, but DeBoer put any lingering doubt to rest on Wednesday.
“Both of them will be available,” DeBoer said. “Progress continues to happen.”
Cuevas’ return could be particularly impactful. He hasn’t seen the field since Alabama’s narrow 23-21 loss to Oklahoma back on Nov. 15, but his presence adds a versatile, experienced weapon to the Tide’s offense. DeBoer highlighted Cuevas’ ability to line up all over the formation - whether it’s in tight, split out wide, or flexed into space - and praised his command of the system.
“Experience, athleticism,” DeBoer said. “Just consistent in everything.
Knows his assignment. He’s been in the system now three years, and so he can kind of do it all.
He’s comfortable in the box, on the line, flexed out. All the little things that we really utilize our tight ends for, he’s just extremely comfortable doing it.”
That kind of versatility is no small thing in Alabama’s offense. Cuevas gives the Tide a chess piece - someone who can help in the run game, stretch the field, or create mismatches against linebackers and safeties. With a CFP berth on the line, having a player who can do a little bit of everything is a luxury.
As for Lewis, his role is expected to be more situational. He logged just three snaps in the SEC Championship win over Georgia, and has only been on the field six times since mid-October. According to DeBoer, that limited usage will likely continue.
“Danny’s is going to continue to be ongoing like it has,” DeBoer said, noting that Lewis will be used in specific packages and “not necessarily an every play guy.”
Still, even in a limited role, Lewis provides depth - and in a physical playoff game, that can be the difference between a clean drive and a busted play. Whether it's a key block on third-and-short or a red zone look in a tight formation, his presence matters.
Alabama and Oklahoma are set to kick off Friday at 7 p.m. CT on ABC, and with both tight ends now cleared to go, the Tide’s offensive toolbox just got a little deeper.