Alabama fans remain pretty darn furious about a missed targeting call that took stud wide receiver Ryan Coleman-Williams out against Georgia. Now, they're going to be even angrier thanks to the latest injury update Kalen DeBoer just dropped: Coleman-Williams is going to be doubtful to take on Tennessee this weekend.
Wow. This is going to be a pretty big blow for Keelon Russell and the rest of the offense, but it's going to be something defensive coordinator Jim Knowles and head man Josh Heupel will look to take advantage of. Coleman-Williams, when healthy, is still one of the best receivers in the SEC. Now that he's going to be missing in action vs. the Vols, might it change up the game plan for OC Ryan Grubb?
Alabama star WR Ryan Coleman-Williams isn’t expected to play against Tennessee, per Kalen DeBoer. He’ll considered week-to-week following the Tennessee game. He’s dealing with both a leg and head injury.
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) October 12, 2026
Ryan Coleman-Williams expected to miss the Bama-Tennessee game is a big blow for Kalen DeBoer
On the season, the 6-0, 185-pounder has recorded 23 receptions for 415 yards and four touchdowns. Come Saturday in Knoxville, Russell will hope to rely on fellow wideout Lotzeir Brooks, who is tied with RWC for the team lead with his 23 catches. Brooks has added 389 yards and a score, while Rico Scott will also need to step his game up - he's posted 18 catches for 224 yards and three TDs. Don't forget about transfer WR Noah Rogers here either.
What does this all mean for Knowles and the Vols defense? Well, taking out a major part of the offense is going to be a big blow for the Tide, but Alabama is also going to work to get the ground game going early and often. The Crimson Tide are loaded with talent at running back, with Trae'Shawn Brown, Daniel Hill, and 5-star freshman EJ Crowell all capable of taking a game over.
This is going to put extra pressure on the Tennessee front seven to answer the call, but thankfully Penn State transfer Xavier Gilliam has been a total force in 2026. The playmaker was once again strong against Arkansas, giving the Razorbacks' offensive line all sorts of issues. More of the same should be on the way against the Tide.
As for the secondary, Knowles still has to make sure his group is prepared to try to make life difficult for Russell. Despite being a first-year starter, Russell has looked better with each game, throwing the ball all over the field at times. Guys like Ty Redmond, Dejuan Lane, and others will need to be at their best to make sure Russell doesn't have easy windows to throw into.
With the Crimson Tide opening up as 6.5-point favorites, plenty of people are expecting DeBoer and Co. to cruise to a win. Not having Coleman-Williams available will complicate Week 7 for the offense a touch, but with the depth and talent on that side of the ball, it won't totally break the plan for Grubb's O. It will be on Tennessee to still be at its best at every level defensively. If the Vols can keep the passing game in check for the Tide, then an upset of the No. 6 team in the country could be on the table this weekend.
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