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Alabama Increasingly Optimistic EJ Crowell Could Play Week 1

A medical decision will determine whether the freshman can provide an immediate depth lift for Alabama's running game.

Overview

  • Offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb said Monday that Crowell practiced without visible setbacks and looked sharp cutting off both feet, signaling rising optimism about his availability for the Sept. 5 opener.
  • The final call rests with team physician Jeff Allen and the Alabama medical staff who must clear Crowell before he can play.
  • Crowell missed spring practice, wore a walking boot and skipped both preseason scrimmages while rehabbing an ankle injury that has kept him off the field at times.
  • If cleared, Crowell is expected to receive some snaps against East Carolina and would help a backfield dealing with the recent ankle injury to AK Dear.
  • Crowell reclassified into the 2026 class, enrolled early at Alabama as the nation’s top running back recruit, and carries high expectations to boost a run game that was a team focus this offseason.