Senior running back Jam Miller suffered what was described by coach Kalen DeBoer as an “upper-body injury” in Alabama’s second scrimmage of fall training camp on Saturday, Aug. 16.
Miller was the Tide’s second-leading rusher last season, behind only quarterback Jalen Milroe. As a junior in 2024, he ran for 668 yards and seven touchdowns while averaging 4.6 yards per carry. He was a receiving threat out of the backfield, as well, with 16 catches for 155 yards and a touchdown.
Alabama will open its 2025 season on Saturday, Aug. 30 on the road at Florida State. The Tide are entering their second season under DeBoer, the former Washington coach who replaced the legendary Nick Saban following his retirement in January 2024.
Jam Miller injury update
According to DeBoer, Miller suffered an “upper-body injury” during an Alabama scrimmage on Aug. 16 and underwent surgery to repair it that night.
In a statement, DeBoer added that Miller “should recover fully with a timetable for his return yet to be determined.”
There’s at least some clarity to that murky timeline for a return to the field. According to ESPN, Miller will miss the Aug. 30 game at Florida State. BamaCentral reports that he is expected to miss multiple games.
Alabama running back depth chart
Given his past production, Miller was heading into the 2025 season as Alabama’s projected starter at running back.
While he’s sidelined for at least one game, the Tide will have to turn to younger, less experienced players to help shoulder the load.
Sophomore Richard Young was Alabama’s No. 3 rusher among tailbacks last season, with 146 yards and two touchdowns on an impressive 5.4 yards-per-carry average. The Tide also have sophomore Daniel Hill, who rushed for 61 yards and a touchdown on 27 carries last season, and Louisiana transfer Dre Washington, who rushed for 478 yards and five touchdowns last season while averaging 6.5 yards per carry.