How much will missed time impact Alabama’s EJ Crowell? ‘We don’t know’

Freshman Alabama football running back EJ Crowell is dealing with another setback. The five-star member of the Crimson Tide missed Thursday’s scrimmage with a lower body injury, one that also kept him out of practice on Monday. However, offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb told reporters after practice that he thought a return was coming in the near future.“EJ is doing great,” Grubb said Monday. “Sooner than later, he’ll be back. Definitely not season-ending. Fully expecting to be ready for the first football game.”Crowell, who played his high school football at Jackson, has already dealt with injury issues since arriving in Tuscaloosa. He was unavailable for much of spring football as well.With Crowell expected to be an early contributor to Alabama’s run game, which struggled mightily last year, Grubb was asked how all the missed time could impact a young player who was just learning the UA offense.“We don’t know,” Grubb said. “I mean, to be honest, we don’t know. I mean, I know he’s a really tough kid. That’s all I’ve seen from him, and he absolutely loves football. He’s been an all-in kind of guy. Just super impressed with him. So I’m very optimistic that we’re going to be able to play and have him out there.”Crowell had earned rave reviews during camp while he was healthy. He came to Alabama ranked as the No. 2 running back in the 2026 recruiting class by the 247Sports composite.Alabama football practice observations: QB battle latest, injury update and moreHow Austin Mack and Keelon Russell can win Alabama’s quarterback battle3 questions for Alabama football’s offense to answer before 2nd scrimmage5 Alabama players trending up after first scrimmageAlabama running back to miss time after scrimmage injuryWith him out, plus AK Dear set to miss significant time due to an injury he sustained during Thursday’s scrimmage, Alabama’s running back rotation could fall back on veterans. Both Daniel Hill and Kevin Riley return, and are expected to make an impact.Crowell isn’t the only freshman in the group though. Trae’Shawn Brown has taken advantage of his own opportunities after coming in as a three-star prospect. “Man, really, really good empty cut vision, meaning when he gets into a hole, blind cut defenders, he can see and feel that next guy,” Grubb said of Brown. “Very good anticipatory skills. Great out of the backfield. Much better pass protector than people would think. They think because he’s short, but he plays down the middle of defenders. He’s got good feet and he’s a smart kid. So, impressive young player.”Alabama practices again on Tuesday, and will scrimmage Thursday. The Crimson Tide begins the 2026 season against East Carolina on Sept. 5 at Bryant-Denny Stadium.Matt Stahl covers University of Alabama sports for AL.com. He joined AL.com in July of 2023. He previously covered University of Missouri athletics for the Columbia Daily Tribune and started his career covering...