How Does Alabama Plan to Move Forward if Josh Cuevas Misses Extended Time?

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - Before Alabama's 56-0 win over Eastern Illinois, it was reported that Alabama tight end Josh Cuevas suffered an injury in practice this week and would not play against the Tide's FCS opponent. That report was confirmed when Cuevas took the field in street clothes with a walking boot on his right foot during Alabama's senior day festivities on the field before the game.

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After the game, DeBoer didn't sound confident in Cuevas's ability to play next Saturday against the Auburn Tigers, but did not rule out the second-year Washington transfer playing in the final game of the regular season.

"We'll kind of have to see how he comes along here during the week next week," DeBoer said.

I mean, [Kaleb Edwards has been] playing all year. He's had big catches going back to the very beginning of the season. Just the combination of guys working together, I think, is always key, whether they're working together in the blocking schemes. And that was a big part of what we were trying to do, too, is just getting some of those guys reps together, building for the future."

Edwards, a 6-foot-6, 264-pound tight end from El Dorado Hills, Texas, has six catches for 100 yards and one touchdown.

"There's intentionality on some of the calls and personnel groupings, with potential situations that could happen. And, you know, I thought getting Marshall Pritchett, who's going to be a really good football player - the last few weeks, he's really gained a lot of steam - gotten a few reps, he's been great on special teams. And, you know, we saw him early in the season on scout team, tearing it up, getting healthier throughout the year. And now he's out there, you know, doing his thing. And it was good to see him get comfortable. It's good to see Brody [Dalton] out there making some plays and playing physical, too."

If Cuevas can't go for the Iron Bowl, Alabama used Kaleb Edwards as the starting tight end on the Tide's opening drive of the game. Marshall Pritchett led the team in targets with four, catching all four targets for 33 yards (third-highest on the team).

Wyatt Fulton is the Tide 100.9 DME and Brand Manager, primarily covering Alabama Crimson Tide football and men's basketball. For more Crimson Tide coverage, follow Wyatt on X (Formerly known as Twitter) at @FultonW_.