Alabama manages personnel rotations and injury returns following season opener

Yahoo Sports1 min read • Latest: Sep 8, 2026, 12:24 PM

Last updated Sep 8, 2026

Alabama manages personnel rotations and injury returns following season opener
Summary

Alabama secured a 48-10 victory over East Carolina at Bryant-Denny Stadium on September 5. Offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb confirmed that starting left guard Will Sanders played through an oblique injury, resulting in a rotation with Mal Waldrep. Defensive coordinator Kane Wommack emphasized the importance of demonstrative pre-snap communication from the linebacking corps to intimidate opponents. Head coach Kalen DeBoer provided injury updates for Jireh Edwards, AK Dear, and Noah Rogers, who participated in warmups but remained sidelined. DeBoer noted that Jireh Edwards and AK Dear are nearing a return to play. The team also utilized a deep tight end rotation during the game, with five different players receiving meaningful snaps including Kaleb Edwards and Marshall Pritchett.

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Status Watch
  • Alabama defeated East Carolina 48-10 in the season opener on September 5.
  • Will Sanders and Mal Waldrep shared reps at left guard during the game.
  • Jireh Edwards and AK Dear are expected to return soon from injuries.
  • Five different tight ends received snaps in the offensive rotation.
Latest Updates
  • 12:24 PMYahoo SportsJumbo Package: Keelon Russell and Alabama may be working their way back to the top ten
What they're saying
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It was an encouraging opening week for the Tide, but there’s a long ways to go

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