Alabama’s injury picture got a little clearer on Monday, but not by much, as Kalen DeBoer addressed a handful of players who matter plenty heading into Saturday’s matchup with Texas A&M.
Two names at the top of the list were Zabien Brown and EJ Crowell, both of whom are dealing with lower leg injuries. DeBoer said Brown will be evaluated through the week, while Crowell is expected to try to get back onto the practice field early.
“[Zabien Brown has a] lower leg injury. [We’ll] evaluate [him] throughout the week what he looks like,” DeBoer told reporters.
“[EJ Crowell also has a] lower leg injury… we’ll see where he’s at in the next couple days. I would expect him to practice early in the week.”
Kalen DeBoer on Zabien Brown: "Lower leg injury. Evaluate throughout the week what he looks like."
Racin Delgatty: "Really the same boat. Progressing pretty well, though.
We'll see. He's gonna be week to week."
EJ Crowell: "Lower leg injury. Just kind of continue to evaluate.…
- Mike Rodak (@mikerodak) October 19, 2026
Crowell has been one of Alabama’s most efficient runners this season, leading the team with 6.8 yards per carry despite ranking fourth on the roster in rushing attempts. Brown, meanwhile, has been a difference-maker in the secondary, leading the Crimson Tide with four passes defended and drawing plenty of first-round buzz as a projected 2027 NFL Draft pick.
The timing matters because Alabama is already in a rough stretch. The Crimson Tide has dropped back-to-back games for the first time since 2007, and the latest loss has left DeBoer’s team looking up at the College Football Playoff picture rather than comfortably inside it.
That makes Week 8 feel heavy in Tuscaloosa. Alabama hosts Texas A&M on Saturday at 3:30 p.m.
ET on ABC, and DeBoer is staring down a game his team badly needs to stop the slide. Alabama’s last three-game losing streak came back in 2007, when Louisiana-Monroe beat the Crimson Tide 21-14 as part of a four-game skid.
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