EJ Crowell entered Saturday's matchup against East Carolina as a game-time decision after missing spring and fall practice with an ankle injury. Alabama got him back on the field this past week, but the staff still has to decide whether he is ready to go.
Ryan Grubb said Monday that Alabama expected Crowell to play. He added that he did not see any setbacks with the freshman running back, which is the clearest sign yet that the staff views him as available if the final check goes well.
Ryan Grubb on EJ Crowell
“Yeah, we do [expect EJ to play],” Grubb said Monday. “He's pushing every day. He was out there yesterday practicing and moving.” He also said, “I didn't see any setbacks yesterday with EJ.”
Grubb went further, saying, “He was cutting off with both of his feet and looked really, really good.” Those comments point to a player moving through the final stage before kickoff rather than one still trying to climb back from the injury.
Alabama's running back numbers
Alabama entered the 2026 season with only four completely healthy scholarship running backs, so Crowell's availability carries real weight for the rotation. AK Dear was hurt in the first fall camp scrimmage and will miss a few more games, while Noah Rogers is recovering from an injury he sustained during Alabama's spring game.
That leaves the staff with less room to absorb another scratch at a position where every healthy body matters. Crowell's return to practice this past week eased that pressure, but the final call still sits with Jeff Allen.
Jeff Allen's final call
“You know, that's obviously, leave that decision up to Jeff [Allen]. You know, ultimately, he's going to be in charge of that,” Grubb said Monday. Crowell's status now comes down to whether Alabama wants to keep him active after the ankle injury or hold him out one more week and stay conservative with a player the staff has already seen move well in practice.
For Alabama, the practical answer is simple: Crowell has moved from a rehab story to a kickoff decision. If he is active, the running back room gets some needed relief; if not, the depth chart stays thin heading into the season opener against East Carolina.
