Analyzing the Alabama injury report ahead of South Carolina game

South Carolina will host the Alabama Crimson Tide this Saturday inside Williams-Brice Stadium. It will be the third of five straight top 15 showdowns for the Gamecocks.

The two teams are heading in different directions after seven games. USC has lost four of five, while Alabama has won six in a row, including four victories over ranked opponents.

Heading into this weekend, neither team is at 100%. However, just as the two teams are trending differently on the field, they are flowing in opposite directions from an injury standpoint. South Carolina might be as healthy as they’ve been in a while, but Alabama had some surprise injuries pop up on this week’s availability report.

As of Friday night, South Carolina has ruled out offensive lineman Cason Henry. In fact, the game one starting right tackle is likely out for the year with a shoulder issue. He joins several other players with long-term injuries, but he is the only one who has played a prominent role this season. No one else is on the latest SEC availability report.

For Alabama, the list is longer.

The Crimson Tide have six players labeled “out,” as linebackers Qua Russaw, Jay-Marien Latham, and Cayden Jones will not play, and tight end Danny Lewis, defensive lineman Jeremiah Beaman, and wide receiver Lotty Brooks won’t either. Offensive lineman Geno VanDeMark upgraded from “questionable” to “probable” on Friday.

Brooks, VanDeMark, and Lewis were not part of the initial injury report on Wednesday.

But what does all of that mean for Saturday’s matchup between the Gamecocks and the Crimson Tide?

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Clearly, Alabama’s linebacker depth is a question with three players out. However, the absences of Russaw, Latham, and Jones shouldn’t affect the rotation too much, as the team’s top four at the position (Justin Jefferson, Deontae Lawson, Yhonzae Pierre, and Nikhai Hill-Green) are healthy. Russaw and Latham were out previously, giving way to Pierre, who is having a strong year as a pass rusher. Jones, though he was a backup at linebacker, was an important special teams player before his injury.

Lewis only has two catches on the year at tight end, but that is due to him dealing with multiple injuries the entire season. He was set to be a rotational player at the position but hasn’t stayed healthy. Starter Josh Cuevas has been good and is one of the SEC’s best combinations of blocking and receiving ability.

On the defensive line, Beaman is out for the year and hasn’t been a factor because of his knee injury. He had some preseason hype, and an up-and-down Crimson Tide defensive line could have used him this year. It is worth noting that freshman London Simmons has played well in Beaman’s stead.

The wide receiver injury is an interesting one to monitor. Lotty Brooks is probably the No. 4 receiver for the Tide. However, he has become a key target for quarterback Ty Simpson on third downs. If Brooks can’t go, Rico Scott likely will get most of his snaps. Scott, even as a fifth receiver, has two touchdowns for ‘Bama this year, which would tie for South Carolina’s team lead. At the top of the position room, Ryan Williams (who is a little banged-up, himself) and Germie Bernard might be the best one-two punch in the sport, and Isaiah Horton is really good, too. Recently injured and recovered receivers Jaylen Mbakwe and Derek Meadows could play on Saturday.

Geno VanDeMark, a transfer from Michigan State, has been a starter at guard this season. He has played both on the right and the left of the line. If he doesn’t play or is limited, Alabama likely would start Jaeden Roberts at right guard and Kam Dewberry at left guard. Both players have started at times this season. The right tackle position, though healthy, has been a struggle. Wilkin Formby hasn’t played particularly well, and true freshman Michael Carroll hasn’t been great in limited action. With the uncertainty at a guard spot and right tackle, it will be worth watching the Alabama offensive line against the Gamecocks’ salty defensive line.

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Despite not being on the injury report, running back Jam Miller might not be full-go. He suffered a possible concussion against Missouri and rushed for just 15 yards on 12 carries against Tennessee after returning.

Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer recently described star receiver Ryan Williams as “hobbled.” He was clearly less than 100% against Missouri two weeks ago and didn’t touch the football. Last week, he played a good game against Tennessee with over 100 yards from scrimmage.

Saturday afternoon’s conference matchup will begin at 3:30 p.m. ABC will carry the television broadcast, and ESPN+ and the ESPN app will make the action available via streaming.

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