**Setback for Bama: Crimson Tide’s Leading Running Back to Miss Two Crucial Games to Start 2025 Season**
The Alabama Crimson Tide is set to begin the 2025 college football season with high expectations, as always. But just ahead of the much-anticipated opening games, the team faces a significant setback: its leading running back will miss the first two contests due to an undisclosed injury.
The news broke earlier this week, sending shockwaves through both the Alabama fan base and the broader college football community. The Crimson Tide’s running back, who led the team in rushing yards and total touchdowns in the 2024 season, was expected to be a cornerstone of the Tide’s offense heading into 2025. Now, head coach Kalen DeBoer and his staff must recalibrate their game plan without their most explosive ground weapon.
### A Big Loss for the Tide
Though Alabama hasn’t officially confirmed the nature of the injury, insiders report that it is not season-ending. However, the coaching staff has decided to keep the star back out of action for at least the first two games to ensure full recovery and avoid aggravating the issue. The Tide opens their 2025 campaign against Wisconsin at home, followed by a tough road matchup against Big 12 powerhouse Texas. These are not games where Alabama can afford to be anything less than elite.
Missing a player of his caliber during the early stretch of the season is not ideal for a team looking to reassert dominance in the post-Saban era. In 2024, the junior running back racked up over 1,400 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns, making him one of the most feared backs in the country. His blend of power, vision, and top-end speed made him a nightmare for opposing defenses, and Alabama’s offense often leaned on his ability to wear down defenses late in games.
### Next Man Up Mentality
Despite the loss, Alabama’s backfield remains talented. Sophomore sensation Jeremiah Cobb is expected to take on a larger role, along with senior Roydell Williams, who returns for another year of eligibility. Both have seen meaningful snaps, but neither has had to shoulder the load as a feature back in big moments like these.
Kalen DeBoer emphasized the team’s depth and preparation in a recent press conference: “We hate to be without one of our best players, but that’s why we recruit and develop at every position. We have full confidence in our guys to step up.”
### Implications for the Season
Alabama’s national championship hopes won’t be dashed by two games without a star running back, but the implications could be felt if the Tide stumble out of the gate. The Wisconsin game presents a physical challenge, and Texas, with one of the nation’s top defensive lines, will undoubtedly test Alabama’s makeshift rushing attack.
While the injury doesn’t derail the season, it puts pressure on the team to adapt early and rely more heavily on their quarterback and defense until their backfield is at full strength.
As always, the Crimson Tide will be under the microscope. And while their star back’s absence is a setback, it’s also a test of Alabama’s famed depth—and resilience.
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