Kalen DeBoer confirmed the return of two key offensive pieces, and the timing could not be better for the Crimson Tide
's already explosive attack.
The Alabama Crimson Tide
just hung 50 points on the Florida State Seminoles
, and somehow the Crimson Tide offense is about to get even better. Head coach Kalen DeBoer confirmed during his Monday press conference that both running back AK Dear
and transfer portal wide receiver Noah Rogers
will return to action this Saturday when Alabama
hosts South Carolina
.
Advertisement
DeBoer was clearly encouraged by what he's seen from both players in recent weeks.
"We're excited to have them back. I feel like they're getting more and more confident with their injuries and return over the last couple of weeks," DeBoer said via the Alabama YouTube channel
.
What AK Dear's return means for the Alabama rushing attack
The timing of Dear's return is significant because the Crimson Tide's ground game has already been dominant. Through three weeks, Alabama is averaging 209 yards per game on the ground. That is over 100 yards more than last season, and that production has come from the three-headed monster of Daniel Hill, Trae'shawn Brown, and EJ Crowell.
Advertisement
A lot of people forget that Dear was going to be the starting running back before he suffered an injury in fall camp
. Adding him back into the mix gives Alabama a running back room that could go four deep, which is exactly what you're going to need as the Crimson Tide get into the meat of SEC play.
Noah Rogers gives Alabama another dynamic pass catcher
As for Rogers, you can never have too many weapons in a wide receiver room. He was set to be a starter before being injured during Alabama's A-Day scrimmage
, and he hasn't played since. But this guy was a big-time transfer portal addition for a reason.
Advertisement
The question now becomes how Alabama manages the reps between Rogers and Rico Scott at that No. 3 wide receiver spot. Rogers brings route running, he brings size, and he brings competitive integrity. That kind of versatility is going to make the Crimson Tide harder to defend as the schedule stiffens.
Alabama offensive stats vs FSU
Alabama's offense is only scratching the surface
An offense that just dropped 50 points on the Seminoles is only going to get better. The return of Dear and Rogers gives DeBoer more options in the run game and through the air, adding the kind of depth that separates good SEC teams from great ones. If the first three weeks were any indication, the Crimson Tide are just getting started.
Advertisement
This article was originally published on A to Z Sports. Read the full story here: Alabama is about to add a pair of intriguing weapons on offense just in time for the heart of SEC play
© 2026 A to Z Sports.
