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Alabama coaches discuss why Jaeden Roberts didn't play vs. Vanderbilt

1918632_10206777287683070_1367905321192383146_nby: Charlie Potter10/06/25Charlie_Potter
Alabama OL Jaeden Roberts
Alabama OL Jaeden Roberts (Dale Zanine / Imagn Images)

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Alabama played eight different offensive linemen in Saturday’s win over Vanderbilt. Seven of them logged 30-plus snaps in the victory over the No. 16 Commodores.

But one glaring omission was redshirt senior Jaeden Roberts, who did not see the field. As has been the case all year, Geno VanDeMark started at right guard, and right tackle Wilkin Formby saw reps at the position, too, which was a new wrinkle after the Crimson Tide’s bye week.

On Monday, Alabama offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb was asked about Roberts.

“Jaeden’s still working his way back onto the field,” Grubb said. “Last week, I thought, was a big step for him. He’s progressing nicely in practice and things like that. Really expect him to make a contribution this week.”

Roberts dealt with a concussion during the preseason and did not play in the season opener at Florida State. A 20-game starter for Alabama, Roberts rotated at right guard over the next three games, playing 14 against ULM, 29 against Wisconsin and only seven at Georgia.

The Houston, Texas, native was a Sporting News preseason All-American but has only played 50 snaps through the Crimson Tide’s first five games. To kick off Missouri game week, Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer also discussed Roberts’ absence in the Vanderbilt game.

“It’s competitive right now at those positions,” DeBoer said. “It’s more than just his. Guys are competing in practice, and that’s, to me, a big part of what you gotta do. And the comeback for him has been progressing, and I think that’s why you probably feel the vibe from Coach Grubb and the words he said. But he’s gotta just keep doing it, and that’s what we ask of every guy.

“And some of these guys have gotten chances to get on the football field and (are) taking advantage of it. That’s made it harder for others who maybe even had roles that were assumed. But it’s competitive.

“Love Jaeden. What a great, great kid, and got a lot of potential. Just, he’s gonna keep working.”

Alabama’s Week 7 game at Missouri is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 11, at 11 a.m. CT on ABC.

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