Alabama football will be without its starting left tackle Kadyn Proctor for Saturday’s game against South Florida because of a shoulder injury. Crimson Tide head coach Kalen DeBoer said on UA’s pregame radio show that the sophomore will likely miss the game.
“Right now, it probably looks like he’s not going to be able to play the game,” DeBoer said on the Crimson Tide Sports Network. “But he’s making progress. Day by day. I hope he’s back to full fitness next week.”
ESPN reported that Proctor was questionable on Saturday, as DeBoer had described him as “day to day” all week. However, Proctor took the field in full uniform to warm up after DeBoer’s pregame interview with the Crimson Tide.
The tackle had walked onto the field with some of his Alabama teammates before the players were fully dressed. When the team ran onto the field for the actual game, Proctor was in civilian clothes.
Proctor returned to the Crimson Tide this offseason after initially transferring to Iowa. The 369-pound sophomore started every game for Alabama in 2023.
He initially practiced with the Tide’s secondary team but quickly rose through the ranks to reclaim his spot at left tackle. He warmed up with the team last week against Western Kentucky but quickly left the field with Alabama’s practice staff.
DeBoer confirmed after the game that Proctor was injured during warmups. Elijah Pritchett, who had battled with Wilkin Formby for the starting right tackle spot throughout training camp, started in Proctor’s place.
“I thought he did a good job,” Alabama offensive coordinator Nick Sheridan said of Pritchett on Monday. “We have confidence in the guys in that room. You have to be ready when you’re needed. Coach (Chris Kapilovic) does a great job because that’s what you have to do when you’re coaching cross-functionally. You coach guys at multiple spots. Left, right, inside, outside. You want to make sure you have your best five guys out there no matter what the circumstances. It’s not the first time Pritch has played left tackle.”
The Tide have several other options on the left side, including Miles McVay and Formby. Offensive guard Tyler Booker could also slide to the outside, which Kapilovic said is possible on Wednesday.
UA also released a practice photo during the week that showed Booker at tackle and Geno VanDeMark at left guard, both of whom played those positions during warmups with the Crimson Tide’s first team on Saturday.
“We have all kinds of ideas,” Kapilovic said. “And Booker has played every position since I’ve been here. He played center in the summer, tackle in the spring. Anything is possible, right? You just look around and evaluate who the best guys are. Who are the guys who can do it? And then they’re ready.”
Kickoff between Alabama and USF is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. CT. The game will be broadcast on ESPN.
