ESPN Report : Alabama Star RB Jam Miller Sidelined — How His Upper-Body Injury in Scrimmage Shakes Up the Tide’s Backfield, What It Means for Nick Saban’s Season Opener vs Florida State, and Why Bama Fans Are Already Asking the Tough Questions..

ESPN Report : Alabama Star RB Jam Miller Sidelined — How His Upper-Body Injury in Scrimmage Shakes Up the Tide’s Backfield, What It Means for Nick Saban’s Season Opener vs Florida State, and Why Bama Fans Are Already Asking the Tough Questions..

Alabama football has been hit with an early-season curveball. Senior running back Jam Miller, the team’s most experienced and productive rusher from last season, has been sidelined following an upper-body injury suffered during a scrimmage this past weekend. According to reports, Miller underwent a medical procedure shortly after the injury, and while Alabama remains hopeful for his recovery, he is officially ruled out for the Crimson Tide’s season opener against Florida State on August 30.

Miller’s absence comes as a significant blow to an offense already adjusting under new head coach Kalen DeBoer. The veteran tailback was expected to be a stabilizing presence in a backfield featuring a mix of unproven underclassmen and transfers. In 2024, Miller led all Alabama running backs with 668 rushing yards and seven touchdowns on 145 carries. He also contributed as a pass-catcher, hauling in 16 receptions for 155 yards and a touchdown, showcasing his versatility and reliability on third downs.

The timing couldn’t be worse. Alabama opens the 2025 campaign against Florida State, a program looking to rebound from a dismal 2–10 season. On paper, the Tide still holds a significant talent advantage, but losing Miller has raised questions about offensive continuity, especially with a new quarterback, Ty Simpson, stepping into a starting role for the first time. Simpson was likely counting on Miller for both pass protection and short-yardage security.

Now, attention shifts to Alabama’s depth chart and how the Tide can adjust. Redshirt sophomore Richard Young is expected to get the first shot at the lead role. Despite dealing with injuries last season, Young entered the program with high expectations and has shown flashes of power and vision in limited opportunities. Sophomore Daniel Hill also appears ready to contribute, particularly as a receiving threat out of the backfield. His ability to catch passes and make defenders miss could add a new wrinkle to Alabama’s offense.

Perhaps the most experienced option, however, is Louisiana transfer Dre Washington. While he hasn’t played at the SEC level yet, Washington brings several seasons of college production and is considered the most polished in areas like blitz pickup and ball security. With Miller out, Washington may become a key figure in third-down situations.

Freshman AK Dear and redshirt freshman Kevin Riley round out the depth chart but are expected to have limited roles unless injuries persist.

While DeBoer and his staff remain confident in the backfield’s depth, Alabama fans are already voicing concerns. Can the Tide maintain offensive balance without their most seasoned back? Will Miller’s absence place too much pressure on Simpson in his debut? And what does this mean for the broader identity of a program trying to reset under new leadership?

There are no easy answers. But one thing is clear: Alabama’s season opener just got a lot more complicated. And if Miller’s recovery extends beyond Week 1, the Tide will need to find answers—and fast.