Alabama’s Jam Miller Injury Update: Will the Tide’s RB Return Soon?
As Alabama prepares for its Week 2 home opener against Louisiana Monroe, one of the biggest storylines surrounding the Crimson Tide is the absence of star running back Jam Miller. The senior back, who entered the 2025 season as Alabama’s offensive centerpiece, will once again be sidelined due to a preseason injury. While Miller is progressing in his recovery, fans will have to wait at least another week before seeing him back on the field.
Miller’s Injury and Recovery Timeline
Miller suffered a dislocated collarbone during the Crimson Tide’s second and final scrimmage of fall camp. The injury immediately raised concerns about his availability for the early portion of the season, and those concerns have proven accurate. He missed Alabama’s Week 1 season-opening clash with Florida State, a game in which the Tide’s offense struggled to find any rhythm in the run game.
Head coach Kalen DeBoer addressed Miller’s status earlier this week, confirming that while the veteran running back is “doing well and coming along as good as you could expect,” he will not suit up against Louisiana Monroe. The update suggests that Miller’s recovery is progressing on schedule, but Alabama is being cautious about rushing him back before he’s fully ready. There is optimism that he could return as early as Week 3 when the Tide travel to Madison to face Wisconsin.
Alabama’s Struggles Without Miller
The absence of Miller has been felt deeply in Tuscaloosa. In the Week 1 loss to Florida State, Alabama managed just 87 rushing yards on 29 attempts, averaging only 3.0 yards per carry. Without the dual-threat presence of former quarterback Jalen Milroe, who left for the NFL, the Crimson Tide ground game has looked one-dimensional.
Richard Young, who carried the ball nine times, led all running backs with just 26 rushing yards. While Kevin Riley provided a brief spark with 31 yards on five carries, the overall production was far from the standard Alabama fans have come to expect. The offensive line’s struggles, particularly with starting right guard Jaeden Roberts sidelined, only added to the difficulties.
The lack of a reliable run game also put extra pressure on quarterback Ty Simpson, who struggled in his first start. Without the ability to establish balance on offense, Alabama’s attack faltered against a talented Seminoles defense.
Justice Haynes Shines Away From Tuscaloosa
Adding salt to the wound, Alabama fans watched former Tide running back Justice Haynes thrive in Michigan’s season opener. Haynes, who transferred in the offseason, exploded for 159 yards and three touchdowns on just 16 carries against New Mexico. His long run of 59 yards highlighted the kind of explosive ability Alabama sorely lacked in Tallahassee.
Haynes was already more efficient than Miller last season, and his breakout in Ann Arbor raises questions about whether Alabama underestimated just how significant his departure would be.
Who Steps Up in Miller’s Absence?
With Miller sidelined for at least one more week, Alabama will once again rely on a committee approach in the backfield. Expect Richard Young and Kevin Riley to shoulder most of the load, with freshmen Dre Washington and Daniel Hill also rotating in. If Alabama builds a comfortable lead against Louisiana Monroe, fans may get their first look at four-star freshman AK Dear, who could see his first collegiate snaps.
This strategy mirrors what offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb has already done with other freshmen. Last week, four-star wideout Rico Scott made his presence felt by catching two passes, including the first touchdown of his Alabama career.
Looking Ahead
The immediate focus for Alabama will be to take care of business against Louisiana Monroe without Miller. However, the long-term outlook is where his return truly matters. The Tide face Wisconsin in Week 3, but the real test comes in Week 5 with a pivotal trip to Athens to face the Georgia Bulldogs. For Alabama to have a chance in that matchup, Miller will need to be healthy and at full strength.
For now, fans will have to wait at least another week to see their star running back back in action. While Jam Miller is officially out for Week 2, his recovery is on track, and there’s growing optimism that he’ll return soon to give Alabama’s struggling ground game the boost it desperately needs.