Alabama football RBs Ezavier Crowell, AK Dear injured in scrimmage

Alabama football's running back position has taken an injury hit midway through fall camp, and was thus shorthanded on Thursday in the Crimson Tide's first fall scrimmage. Freshman EJ Crowell did not participate due to an injury but is expected to be ready to start the season, according to coach Kalen DeBoer. The status of sophomore AK Dear, injured in scrimmage action, is less clear. "EJ did not scrimmage today. He'll be out for a few practices here. He won't miss any games down the road, but he did not practice today," DeBoer said. "AK did suffer an injury. He actually was having a nice scrimmage, scored a touchdown. We'll evaluate him and figure out the severity of that. It was unfortunate, because he was having a really nice scrimmage with the touches he got." The Crimson Tide's Daniel Hill is its most experienced returning running back. Tuscaloosa native Kevin Riley and transfer Trae'shawn Brown should get extra practice repetitions with Crowell and Dear unavailable. Crowell, a five-star recruit, has had limited practice opportunities since his arrival on campus, having already missed spring practice with an injury. The UA running game has been a significant focal point this offseason after finishing near the bottom of the SEC in rushing last year. Alabama opens the season at home against East Carolina on Sept. 5. Reach Tuscaloosa News columnist Chase Goodbread at cgoodbread@gannett.com. Follow on X @chasegoodbread. VIDEO: Kane Wommack reveals advice Nick Saban gave on Alabama football defense VIDEO: Alabama football’s Xavier Griffin and Zay Hall at practice This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: Alabama football RBs Ezavier Crowell, AK Dear injured in scrimmage