Alabama’s offense just took a hit, and it couldn’t come at a worse time. Two weeks out from the season opener in Tallahassee, and Alabama’s backfield just lost its centerpiece.
Multiple sources confirmed to BamaCentral, that Jam Miller, the Tide’s top returning rusher went down in Saturday’s scrimmage with an upper-body injury. Head coach Kalen DeBoer confirmed the setback, “Jam Miller suffered an upper-body injury in Saturday’s scrimmage and went in for a procedure on Saturday evening," DeBoer said in a statement. "Jam should recover fully with a timetable for his return yet to be determined.”
That uncertainty casts a shadow over Alabama’s Week 1 showdown against No. 4 Florida State on Aug. 30. Miller was more than just a veteran leader, he was expected to carry the load in an offense debuting a new starting quarterback.
Here’s what we know, and what it means for the Crimson Tide moving forward:
Jam Miller’s Loss Leaves a Leadership Void
Miller’s numbers from 2024 speak volumes: 668 rushing yards, seven touchdowns, and a team-high 145 carries. That’s not just production, it’s trust from the coaching staff. He had earned every snap through consistency and physicality.
“Jam’s been doing everything,” offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb said on Aug. 5. “He’s the man… he works extremely hard.”
That kind of praise isn’t thrown around lightly in Tuscaloosa.
More than just a runner, Miller’s reliability in pass protection and ability to lead by example made him the cornerstone of Alabama’s revamped offense under DeBoer. Without him, the Tide will lean on youth and untested depth.
Daniel Hill’s Moment Could Be Now
The buzz around Daniel Hill has been building since spring, and with Miller sidelined, the door swings wide open.
At 6-foot-1 and 244 pounds, Hill is a downhill bruiser. In limited action last year, he had 21 carries for 61 yards and a score. Coaches have repeatedly praised his physicality and hands out of the backfield.
“He’s deceiving,” DeBoer said earlier this month. “He can catch the ball really well.”
If Hill seizes this chance, don’t be surprised if he earns the lion’s share of carries against Florida State.
Alabama’s Running Back Room Just Got a Lot Younger
Behind Miller, the Tide’s depth chart thins out fast.
Richard Young, a former top recruit, now becomes a critical piece. He flashed potential in 2024, averaging 5.4 yards per carry and scoring twice. But he’s still developing as a blocker and pass-catcher, which are essential traits in DeBoer’s system.
Then there’s Louisiana transfer Dre Washington. He brings veteran experience, with 1,343 career rushing yards and nine touchdowns, but is still learning the Tide’s offense.
Coaches have praised Washington’s progress, but he’s yet to take a snap in a Bama uniform. That’s a steep learning curve heading into a top-10 showdown.
Final Word: Next Man Up, Ready or Not
Jam Miller’s injury throws a wrench into Alabama’s offensive plans. But the season won’t wait. Someone has to step up. Whether it is Hill, Young, or Washington, they have to do it fast. The Crimson Tide don’t open with a cupcake. They’re heading straight into a playoff-level clash in Tallahassee.
And now they’ll do it without their most trusted back.
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