Alabama to Deploy Key Receiver Against LSU After Injury Layoff

Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer said the Crimson Tide expect to have standout wide receiver Ryan Coleman-Williams back on the field for Saturday's game at No. 15 LSU. The junior missed the team's previous two contests while dealing with a knee injury and a concussion.

Coleman-Williams, center Racin Delgatty, and defensive lineman Terrance Green were upgraded from questionable to probable on the Southeastern Conference availability report released Friday. Running back AK Dear also earned a probable designation.

The team captain enters the matchup with 23 receptions for 415 yards and four touchdowns on the season. His return adds a primary target for quarterback Keelon Russell as Alabama, which holds the No. 5 seed in the College Football Playoff, begins the final month of the regular season.

Coleman-Williams last took the field in the team's 20-17 loss to Georgia on Oct. 10. He had been wearing a brace on his right knee at the start of that game and left the field before halftime after landing awkwardly on a deep pass. He returned for the second half but exited permanently after sustaining a hit to the head in the early part of the fourth quarter.

The receiver underwent arthroscopic surgery on his knee before rejoining practice. Delgatty, who suffered a knee injury, and Green, who dealt with an ankle issue, also return after missing the Texas A&M game. Their availability strengthens Alabama's roster on both sides of the line following an open week of preparation.

Cornerback Zabien Brown, running back EJ Crowell, and offensive lineman William Sanders remained listed as questionable on Friday's report. The Crimson Tide ruled out linebackers Desmond Umeozulu and Cayden Jones, defensive back Nick Sherman, offensive linemen Casey Poe and Jared Graham, and defensive lineman Jeremiah Beaman for the upcoming contest.