Ryan Williams injury update: Alabama WR's status revealed for Week 2 vs. ULM

Ryan Williams will not be available for Alabama against UL Monroe on Saturday, according to On3’s Pete Nakos. Williams suffered a concussion in the season opener against Florida State and remains in protocol.

Williams was taken out of the Week 1 matchup after taking a hit from former Alabama DB, Earl Little Jr. The sophomore wideout remained on the ground after the play and was tended to by Alabama’s training staff. However, he ultimately walked to the locker room himself.

Williams did not return to the matchup and finished the game with five catches for 30 yards. In the end, the Crimson Tide would fall 31-17. The star sophomore’s injury was another addition to what was a night filled with frustration for Alabama. 

During the SEC’s weekly teleconference, Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer gave a hopeful update on his potential status for Week 2. However, it appears Williams didn’t progress fast enough to find himself on the field during Saturday’s game.

“Ryan Williams is coming along, day to day,” DeBoer said. “He’s been on the practice field going through — he’s doing the normal protocol and coming along nicely. That’s probably the best way to explain it.”

Alabama will hope to get Williams back in the lineup soon, as he’s considered one of the best wide receivers at the college level. Many expect him to have a breakout season for the Crimson Tide. However, that’ll have to wait until after a slow start to the year due to his concussion.

As a true freshman in 2024, Williams caught 48 passes for 865 yards and eight touchdowns for Alabama last season. He did so despite being aged 17 at the time, which was noted in abundance during the 2024 college football season.

Kickoff between the Crimson Tide and Warhawks is scheduled for 7:45 p.m. ET and will air live on the SEC Network. Alabama is a 34.5-point betting favorite over UL Monroe, according to BetMGM. The over/under is set at 49.5 total points.

Alabama will hope to have Williams back in time for Week 3’s game against Wisconsin. They’re idle in Week 4, so if not, especially for Week 5 against Georgia on the road. The Crimson Tide will hope to be back to full strength by then, which will serve as the SEC opener for Alabama.

For now, the Crimson Tide are looking to win their first game of the season. They’ll do so during their home opener on Saturday night. It’ll just have to be without Williams.