Will Alabama RB EJ Crowell Be Available for Alabama’s Home Opener?

TUSCALOOSA, Ala.- Alabama offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb spoke with the media on Monday morning, where he was asked about running back EJ Crowell and his health. Crowell had not scrimmaged in Alabama's fall camp after reaggravating the same injury that held him out of spring practice. Crowell is a former five-star recruit from Jackson High School in Jackson, Alabama, who totaled 2,632 yards and 35 touchdowns on 209 carries during his junior year of high school before reclassifying to the 2026 recruiting class and joining Alabama in January as an early enrollee.

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On Monday, Grubb said the Crimson Tide expects the former five-star prospect to be available for the season opener against East Carolina on Saturday afternoon.

"Yeah. Yeah, we do. He's pushing every day. He was out there yesterday practicing and moving. You know, that's obviously- leave that decision up to Jeff [Allen]," Grubb told the media on Monday morning. "Ultimately, he's going to be in charge of that. But EJ is, I told him yesterday, like the Wolverine. I mean, the guy's unbelievable. Him and Noah Rogers are - those guys are a different planet. So, been really, really impressive. I didn't see any setbacks yesterday with EJ. He was cutting off with both of his feet and looked really, really good. So we'll just see how it keeps progressing."

Alabama will be without running back AK Dear, who suffered an injury following the Tide's first scrimmage of fall camp. Grubb did give a simple "Yes" in response to Crowell being outright available this week. The rushing attack has been a big question this offseason surrounding Alabama following a lackluster 2025 season of running the ball. The Crimson Tide has not had a 1,000-yard rusher since Brian Robinson Jr. in 2021.

Alabama is scheduled to open the 2026 season hosting the East Carolina Pirates on Saturday, September 5. Kickoff is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. CT.

Ryan Bond is an intern for Tide 100.9 with an avid interest in college football and college basketball. To keep up with Ryan, follow him on X at @Ryanb5172