Jam Miller, Ryan Williams injury update: Alabama makes final decision vs. UL Monroe

Alabama entered Saturday with a couple of major injury questions. Two offensive skill players were considered doubts — wide receiver Ryan Williams and running back Jam Miller. However, both took part in pregame warmups while wearing full uniforms. It was easy to wonder if they would wind up playing against Louisiana-Monroe.

Just ahead of kickoff, Kalen DeBoer quickly poured cold water on the situation. He revealed via the Crimson Tide Sports Network that neither Williams nor Miller would play. Major losses for the Crimson Tide, even if the expectation to walk away with a win is high.

Miller did not play in the season opener against Florida State, leaving Alabama without its starting running back. His injury took place while the team was still in preseason camp. DeBoer knew Miller would wind up being out for some time but still had a positive update on him during Wednesday’s SEC Coaches Teleconference.

“Jam is doing really well,” DeBoer said. “Will not be available this week but coming along, again, as good as you could’ve expected. We knew there would be a possibility for next week and that’s certainly still the case.”

While the situation with Williams appears to be progressing well, there are differences. A concussion is why Williams finds himself sidelined on Saturday. Going through protocol is critical and until tests are passed, he will not line up for Alabama.

“Coming along day-to-day,” DeBoer said. “Been on the practice field. He’s doing the normal protocol and coming along nicely. That’s probably the best way to explain it.”

Alabama wants to respond well with a win against ULM. However, next week against Wisconsin is where most eyes are being placed at the moment. Go an additional two weeks when the Crimson Tide head to Athens for a massive showdown against Georgia. Really, DeBoer needs to take care of business before the bye week, before getting a win against Kirby Smart to steer the ship back in the right direction.

Having a chance to do so will likely require Miller and Williams. It’s impossible to forget the impact Williams had against Georgia last season, scoring the game-winning touchdown in incredible fashion. Coming back from a concussion and delivering a similar performance would only grow the legend.

But for now, he, along with Miller, will have to watch from the sidelines. Tough breaks for Alabama just moments before taking Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium.