Alabama might have a major boost to its offensive side of the ball as Ryan Coleman-Williams could be nearing a return against LSU in Week 10.
Williams hasn’t played since Oct. 10 after battling head and knee injuries, but he has made progress in his recovery process, and being fully ready to go couldn’t possibly come at a better time than Week 10, when Alabama will enter one of its most battle-tested matchups of the season.
Williams’ absence has left the remaining wide receivers to step up. Guys like Rico Scott and Lotzeir Brooks have had to carry the workload in Williams’ absence and have done fairly well, but having a special talent like Williams return against a prolific defense can help the Crimson Tide succeed even more.
It’s not just Williams' on-field presence that can be a difference maker; it’s his ability to create dangerous play-making ability in space and serve as a distraction, as he is often double-teamed by defenders, which leaves other receivers to make plays or possibly cruise into the endzone.
The Crimson Tide will need a major receiving threat against the Tigers on Saturday, as many teams have fallen short at making it past the Tigers. The Tigers’ defense is one of the best in the nation, ranking No. 2 in the SEC and No. 13 nationally in pass defense, allowing 172.8 passing yards per game, while only allowing four passing touchdowns through eight games.
It has yet to be confirmed how much Williams will potentially play on Saturday. As a player who will return from two injuries, the best guess is that he will be limited, so the receiving room will need to continue to step up in his absence or presence.
“Being more detailed and knowing what’s going on at all times, he’s back, but everyone else on the offense still has to step up no matter who’s playing and who’s not,” said Scott during media availability on Tuesday when asked how he can continue to grow in a new opportunity.
Scott had a career game against Texas A&M in Week 8, with six catches for 156 yards along with multiple critical plays. As he mentioned, no matter who is on the field, the offense as a whole will need to catch momentum and maintain it, and another breakout performance against LSU, along with the rest of the offense doing their job, can be the key to success in Baton Rouge.