Kalen DeBoer Updates Status of Freshman RB EJ Crowell

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - Alabama five-star freshman running back EJ Crowell isn't taking many reps with the Crimson Tide, as head coach Kalen DeBoer said he is considered "week-to-week."

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Crowell was limited to start spring practice, with offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb downplaying the undisclosed soft tissue injury before spring break.

"Just soft tissue deal. He's OK. Just being cautious," Grubb said. "We got another week coming up to make sure he's healed the right way. It's a big spring for EJ, so want to make sure he can get off to the right start, you know, when we get back. So, just probably erring on the side of caution. But he's looked great and done a great job."

A week off for spring break didn't lead to increased action for the Jackson, Alabama, native. DeBoer told reporters after the first scrimmage that Crowell is "really not taking a lot of reps, if any at all. That's unfortunate, but we'll keep working," DeBoer said on Friday.

"I'd say it's week to week. It's probably not day-to-day, but it's week-to-week."

After Friday's scrimmage, DeBoer spoke about the rushing attack and running back room as a whole.

"I thought AK [Dear] had a couple of nice runs in there," he said. "All of them got to continue to grow and get better. Daniel [Hill] has been consistent, you know? I think he's taking advantage of just kind of having an offseason to lean up. A year ago, really, from the previous '24 season, was still dinged up, had to have surgery. We knew it during spring ball. Had to have it after. I think that really went into him not having the offseason he probably would like, and the season that he knows he can improve on and be better than. So those guys are all, all working… Kevin [Riley] is, I think, is building on what he showed all of all of us last season as well."

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_.