Alabama Crimson Tide running back EJ Crowell is expected to miss Saturday’s game against the Texas A&M Aggies, adding another offensive absence to head coach Kalen DeBoer’s team and starting quarterback Keelon Russell.

Crowell left last weekend’s game against the Tennessee Volunteers during the second quarter after logging just one carry for one yard. He returned to the sideline in full pads after the halftime break but did not play again and later walked off wearing a brace on his left knee.

On3’s Pete Nakos reported Saturday morning that Crowell is not expected to play after suffering that lower-leg injury in the 26-10 loss to the Volunteers.

“Alabama starting OL Racin Delgatty, DB Zabien Brown and RB EJ Crowell are not expected to play Saturday against Texas A&M, sources tell @Clowfb and me for @On3 .” Nakos wrote on X.

Alabama starting OL Racin Delgatty, DB Zabien Brown and RB EJ Crowell are not expected to play Saturday against Texas A&M, sources tell @Clowfb and me for @On3. https://t.co/BS2yS9pMFuhttps://t.co/xBqcJ6yeQppic.twitter.com/e6nfkHcE8X

— Pete Nakos (@PeteNakos) October 24, 2026

DeBoer said on Monday that both Crowell and Brown were dealing with lower-body injuries and would be evaluated during the week before deciding on their availability for Saturday’s matchup.

“We’ll kind of see where he’s at here in the next couple of days,” DeBoer said. “I would expect him to practice early to be for sure.”

Crowell’s status worsened as the week progressed, with Alabama listing him as questionable in the SEC availability report before downgrading him to doubtful Friday.

The freshman rusher has not been Alabama’s RB1, but he has provided an explosive rushing option to the Crimson Tide. Crowell has 32 carries for 216 rushing yards and leads the team with 6.8 yards per carry while matching teammate Daniel Hill with four rushing touchdowns, trailing only Russell and Trae’shawn Brown (both five) in that department.

Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Kalen DeBoerJake Crandall/ Advertiser / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Kalen DeBoerJake Crandall/ Advertiser / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

With Crowell ruled out, Hill and Brown are expected to handle most of the backfield workload. Kevin Riley and AK Dear are additional backfield options for coach DeBoer.

Nakos already reported Wednesday that Coleman-Williams is also out as he recovers from arthroscopic surgery.

No. 13 Alabama enters the weekend at 5-2 overall and 3-2 in SEC play after consecutive losses to Georgia and Tennessee. The Crimson Tide hosts Texas A&M on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET on ABC.

The Best of Alabama Football

  • 10 Greatest Alabama Football Players of All-Time
  • 5 Greatest Quarterbacks in Alabama Football History
  • 5 Greatest Running Backs in Alabama Football History
  • 5 Greatest Wide Receivers in Alabama Football History
  • 5 Greatest Defensive Players in Alabama Football History

Related: Michigan QB Bryce Underwood Announces Personal Move Before Indiana Game

Related: Major Arch Manning News Emerges Ahead of Ole Miss Game

This story was originally published by Athlon on Oct 24, 2026, where it first appeared in the College Football section. Add Athlon as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Source: Yahoo Sports