Wolf Linebackers Listed as Out for Home Opener
No. 8 Alabama football will play its second SEC game of the 2026 season and first at home against South Carolina on Saturday, Sept. 26, at 6 p.m. CT in Tuscaloosa, Ala.
Alabama linebacker Justin Hill is listed as "Out" on the South Carolina availability report for the upcoming match. Hill has a lower-extremity injury and is expected to miss a few weeks, according to Sports Illustrated.
Hill is the second Wolf linebacker on the depth chart. He was joined on the availability report by fellow linebacker Desmond Umeozulu, who is listed as the third Wolf linebacker. Yea Alabama reports that Umeozulu has turf toe with an unknown return date.
Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer did not include Hill or Umeozulu in his Monday press conference injury updates. The two linebackers are among six Crimson Tide players listed as out for Saturday's game against the Gamecocks.
DeBoer Confirms Return of Key Offensive Weapons
While the defensive backfield faces significant absences, head coach Kalen DeBoer provided positive updates regarding the offense during his Monday press conference. Running back AK Dear and wide receiver Noah Rogers "will be available" for the game against South Carolina.
The availability of Dear and Rogers marks a notable boost for the Crimson Tide's offensive capabilities. Both players have not played yet this season due to injuries, making their return crucial for Alabama's first home game of the year.
Season-Ending Injuries Continue to Mount
The injury report also highlighted two players who will miss the remainder of the 2026 season. Jeremiah Beaman and Cayden Jones are listed as out for the rest of the campaign.
Beaman tore his ACL during practice about two weeks before the season opener, effectively ending his year early. Jones was also ruled out, with DeBoer sharing news regarding the junior on Sept. 21, though he did not reveal the specific diagnosis at that time.
Roster Moves and Recent Highlights
Off the field, Alabama made a roster adjustment on Tuesday by removing freshman offensive lineman Chris Booker from the official roster. Booker is no longer with the team as the squad prepares for its home opener.
The loss of Hill and Umeozulu to the linebacker corps comes at a critical time. A photo caption from Sports Illustrated noted that "Alabama Linebacker Justin Hill tackles the ECU quarterback in the match up on Sept 5, 2026," highlighting his recent on-field presence before this latest injury setback.
With two Wolf linebackers sidelined and several other key contributors either out for the season or returning from injury, Alabama faces a pivotal moment in its early-season schedule as it looks to establish momentum at home.