The Alabama Crimson Tide may have secured another gritty win over Missouri, but they did so while missing several key contributors. Head coach Kalen DeBoer confirmed on Monday that three players — Jaylen Mbakwe, Jalen Hale, and Cayden Jones — were ruled out before kickoff due to illness and injuries.
DeBoer, speaking during his weekly media session, shed light on the situations surrounding each player, reassuring fans that most setbacks are short-term.
“Jalen Hale’s been sick,” DeBoer explained. “That was the reason he was a last-minute addition to the report. ‘Bak’ (Jaylen Mbakwe) had a hand injury in practice last week, but he’ll be back out there soon. We’ll monitor him through the week and see how he progresses. Obviously, playing receiver, that affects you a little bit.”
However, the most concerning update came regarding Cayden Jones, a promising sophomore linebacker. “He had to have surgery on an ankle injury, so he’ll be down for a while,” DeBoer added.
Mbakwe and Hale are both reserve wide receivers, but their absence still matters for depth and rotation, especially as Alabama prepares for one of its most emotional rivalries — the annual Third Saturday in October matchup with Tennessee. Hale, in particular, has shown flashes of potential during practice and could have been a spark option in the passing game.
Despite the roster challenges, Alabama’s offense, led by Ty Simpson, continues to click, while the defense showed renewed strength against Missouri, allowing minimal production after the opening drive. That resilience reflects the team’s growing maturity under DeBoer’s leadership — an encouraging sign as the Tide chase an SEC Championship berth.
The medical updates offer some comfort for fans worried about long-term losses. Mbakwe’s hand issue appears minor, and Hale’s illness is expected to be short-lived. Jones’ absence, though unfortunate, provides opportunities for younger linebackers to step up and gain valuable experience.
As the Tide gear up for Tennessee, DeBoer’s focus remains on keeping his team healthy and mentally sharp. “We just want to make sure everyone’s ready to go and doing their job,” he said.
With Neyland Stadium looming and rivalry tension building, Alabama’s depth will once again be tested — but if recent weeks are any indication, this team is learning how to adjust and overcome, no matter who’s missing from the lineup.
