It was announced Thursday that Alabama Crimson Tide captain, Tim Keenan III, would miss “multiple games” with a high ankle sprain.
“Keenan was scheduled to undergo a tightrope surgical procedure Wednesday and is expected to miss multiple games, but sources said Alabama expects him back at some point this season,” ESPN’s Chris Low reports.
He is already ruled out for Saturday’s season opener at Doak Campbell Stadium in Tallahassee, Florida where the Tide will take on the Florida State Seminoles.
He joins a handful of other high impact starters to be made unavailable for the contest. Namely, running back Jam Miller has been ruled out for Saturday’s contest.
“Miller dislocated his collarbone in the Tide’s scrimmage last Saturday and will miss the opener against Florida State on Aug. 30,” ESPN reported on Aug. 23. “He’s doubtful to play in the next two games against ULM and Wisconsin. Alabama has a bye the week before its visit to Georgia.”
Additionally, fifth-year offensive guard Jaedan Roberts is also firmly on the bubble to make the healthy list Saturday. Head coach Kalen Deboer told reporters the starter has been limited at practice while he attempts to clear concussion protocol.
“I would say Jaeden Roberts is still in question with what he is going through in the protocol and the process there,” DeBoer said. “He’s progressing. He’s progressing. We’ll kind of see here.”
Two Freshman May Have To Fill The Gap
Keenan is the center piece on what should be one of the Tide’s strengths this fall. This will be Keenan’s third year starting, he combined for 78 tackles over the previous two seasons, and a handful of sacks.
In his absence, ESPN’s Chris Low says two freshman will have to step up.
“Redshirt freshman Jeremiah Beaman and true freshman London Simmons are next in line to step in for Keenan, who was second on the team a year ago with 7.5 tackles for loss,” Low writes.
Beaman used his redshirt year well, reportedly putting on a significant amount of weight since arriving in Tuscaloosa in 2024.
“Beaman was a top 100 prospect out of Birmingham in the 2024 class who used the redshirt year to add an incredible amount of weight to his frame,” wrote Joshua Chatham. “He’s now listed at 314 lb, about 50 pounds heavier than he was in his senior year of high school per the recruiting services.”
London Simmons, on the other hand, is a true freshman arriving in Tuscaloosa by way of Jackson, Mississippi this summer. He was ESPN’s 34th ranked defensive line recruit in the nation last recruiting cycle.
Jam Miller and Tim Keenan Eyeing Georgia
Miller, Alabama’s star running back, is reportedly eyeing the September 27th matchup between the Hedges as a possible return point.
Keenan’s time table is more uncertain considering the surgery just took place less than 24 hours ago, but the Tide would like all hands on deck when they head down to Athens to take on the Georgia Bulldogs.
The team’s Week 3 matchup against Wisconsin will be no easy feat either, but with a bye week immediately following the Big Ten clash, the staff would be less likely to rush a player back.
Alabama Captain To Undergo Surgery, Will Miss ‘Multiple Games’