Jam Miller injury: How absence of Alabama star RB could affect Crimson Tide early in 2025 season

Key Takeaways:

• Senior running back Jam Miller suffered a collarbone injury.
• Miller’s absence looms over Alabama’s early 2025 schedule.
• The Crimson Tide must adjust offensive plans without their RB1.
• Coaches are crafting contingencies for the re-shuffled backfield.

An Untimely Setback
Alabama rarely begins a season with uncertainty in its backfield, yet that is the reality after star tailback Jam Miller went down with a collarbone injury. The senior, projected as RB1, will miss at least the opening phase of the 2025 campaign, forcing head coach Nick Saban’s staff to rethink the ground game.

Miller’s Central Role
Before the injury, Miller was expected to set the tone for an offense built around his power and experience. His status as “senior RB1,” as Cbssports described, underscores just how central he was to Alabama’s plans.

The Nature of the Injury
A collarbone setback can be stubborn, especially for a position that absorbs constant hits. While Alabama did not immediately release a timetable, the mere mention of “early in the 2025 season” suggests the Tide will open without their most seasoned rusher.

Coaching Staff’s Contingency Plans
“What the Crimson Tide are planning to do” in Miller’s absence remains the pressing question. Practice rotations, play-calling tweaks and perhaps a heavier reliance on the passing game are all on the table as Alabama seeks to keep its championship aspirations intact.

Early-Season Implications
The Tide’s first few opponents will now face an Alabama offense still searching for its rhythm. How quickly a new running-back hierarchy emerges could shape the team’s momentum and national ranking in September.

Looking Down the Road
Recovering from the loss of a senior leader is always a test. For Alabama, the response to Jam Miller’s injury will reveal the depth of its roster and the flexibility of its coaches. If the Tide navigate the early weeks successfully, Miller’s eventual return could still power a familiar championship push; if not, August’s broken collarbone may be remembered as the season’s decisive turning point.