The Crimson Tide opened fall camp at Bryant‑Denny Stadium on a humid Thursday, with the familiar roar of fans echoing across the freshly manicured field. Position groups rotated through drills, and the coaching staff used the session to evaluate fresh talent while maintaining the intensity that has defined Alabama's recent resurgence.
Amid the upbeat atmosphere, sophomore running back A.K. Dear suffered an injury during a routine play. Coach Kalen DeBoer confirmed the setback but stopped short of detailing its severity, leaving observers to wonder how the backfield will adjust without the player who amassed 140 yards and three touchdowns as a freshman, highlighted by a 56‑yard rush in a Week 2 victory over Louisiana‑Monroe.
Depth Charts Shuffle
The injury forced the staff to look beyond the usual suspects. Freshman running back E.J. Crowell, the nation's No. 2 recruit according to 247Sports, missed the scrimmage and will sit out several practices as the team eases him back into action. Likewise, receiver Lotzeir Brooks, who posted 32 catches for 441 yards and two touchdowns as a freshman — including a key pair in the College Football Playoff win over Oklahoma — was also absent, though he is expected to be ready for the season opener.
DeBoer emphasized that while the early absences are notable, the program does not anticipate any major injuries to affect the upcoming slate. The 2026 schedule, which features marquee matchups against East Carolina, Kentucky, Florida State, South Carolina, Mississippi State, Georgia, Tennessee, Texas A&M, LSU, Vanderbilt and Chattanooga, with the traditional rivalry against Auburn slated for November 28, remains a focal point for fans eager to see how the roster responds to early challenges.
The early camp injuries serve as a reminder that even the most deep‑seated programs must navigate the unpredictable nature of preseason work. As the Crimson Tide move forward, the focus will be on integrating newcomers, preserving health, and maintaining the relentless drive that has become synonymous with Alabama football.