Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer has revealed that an injury was the main reason why star wide receiver Ryan Williams was held without a single catch for the first time in his college career. The Crimson Tide’s offensive performance in their recent game raised eyebrows among fans and analysts, especially with Williams—one of the team’s most electric playmakers—virtually invisible throughout the contest. DeBoer has since come forward to clarify that the freshman phenom was battling a minor injury, which limited his snaps and effectiveness.
Speaking to reporters after the game, DeBoer explained that the team decided to manage Williams’ workload carefully to avoid aggravating the issue. “Ryan wasn’t 100 percent coming into the game,” the coach said. “We wanted to keep him available, but we also had to be smart about how much we used him. It was more about precaution than anything else.” The Alabama boss made it clear that while Williams was technically available to play, the staff prioritized his long-term health over short-term production.
Williams’ absence was felt throughout the game. The usually dynamic receiver, known for his blistering speed and big-play ability, did not register a single reception—a surprising statistic for a player who has already become one of the focal points of Alabama’s offense this season. The Tide’s passing game looked somewhat out of rhythm, with quarterback Jalen Milroe struggling to find consistency without his top target stretching the defense.
Fans quickly noticed the unusual silence from Williams’ side of the field. On social media, speculation grew about whether he had suffered a serious injury or had simply been benched due to performance. DeBoer’s clarification has since helped ease concerns, assuring fans that the setback is minor and that Williams is expected to make a full recovery soon.
“Ryan’s a competitor,” DeBoer continued. “He wanted to be out there making plays for his teammates. But we’ve got a long season ahead of us, and the smart thing to do was to protect him. He’ll be back to full speed very soon.”
Williams, a five-star recruit and one of the most highly touted prospects to join Alabama in recent years, has lived up to the hype early in his college career. His explosive performances have drawn comparisons to Tide legends like DeVonta Smith and Jaylen Waddle, both of whom were known for their game-changing speed and precise route running.
With Williams limited, Alabama relied more heavily on their run game and secondary receivers, but the offense lacked its usual spark. The Tide still managed to grind out a win, thanks to a strong defensive showing and a late rushing touchdown, but DeBoer acknowledged the offense was “not at its best” without Williams at full strength.
Looking ahead, the Alabama staff plans to give the young receiver the necessary rest and rehabilitation before their next matchup. DeBoer emphasized that the medical team is confident in his recovery timeline, suggesting Williams could return to full participation as soon as next week.
For now, Alabama fans can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that their star receiver’s quiet night was due to precaution rather than a serious injury. As the Crimson Tide continue their pursuit of another championship, a healthy Ryan Williams will remain a crucial piece of their offensive puzzle—and his next game will likely remind everyone why he’s already considered one of the brightest young stars in
college football.
Be the first to comment