Alabama football coaches seem encouraged by the progress of several injured stars on offense.
Let’s start with tight end Josh Cuevas, who’s been out since the last Oklahoma game. Crimson Tide offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb spoke to reporters Tuesday and said Cuevas has “been looking great and we’re excited to have him back out there.”
Cuevas had his foot wrapped but was in full uniform during the 15-minute media viewing period Monday.
“Josh has been a huge part of the offense all year,” Grubb said. “For us, the run game, the pass game, everything he can do is critical. We’ve missed him, his leadership, his presence on the field for sure. Just playmaking ability, catching the ball, breaking tackles after he gets the football, which he certainly did last time against Oklahoma.”
Alabama will face Oklahoma on Friday, December 19 (7 p.m. CT, ABC/ESPN) in Norman, Oklahoma in the first round of the 12-team playoff. If the Crimson Tide wins that game, it will advance to the Rose Bowl to face No. 1 seed Indiana.
Running back Jam Miller is also trending to return. He missed the SEC Championship Game after sustaining an injury in the Iron Bowl.
“He looks great,” Grubb said. “He was out there running around today. Did it an awesome job. Feel like he’ll be full go, ready to contribute and help us get rolling again.”
Alabama is also set to get offensive guard Kam Dewberry back for the game. He also missed the SEC Championship Game.
“I think Kam has the potential to be a big-time spark,” Grubb said. “I thought he was playing his best football, right up until he got injured.”