Injuries are always going to start piling up towards the middle of the season, but this spells bad news for Alabama and head man Kalen DeBoer. But, good news for Josh Heupel and the Tennessee defense? Potentially. As things stand, it's totally unknown if standout Alabama center Racin Delgatty will be able to suit up in Knoxville this weekend.
The veteran playmaker has been a force in the trenches, but he suffered a lower-body injury late in the heartbreaking Crimson Tide loss to Georgia. Because of this, it's up in the air if he'll be able to play in Week 7 or not. If he misses this one, the Tennessee interior defensive line will be ready to take full advantage, with stud Xavier Gilliam likely in line for another big day.
Alabama center Racin Delgatty, who left the game in the final drive against Georgia, will be ‘limited for sure’ early this week.
— Brett Greenberg (@BrettGreenberg_) October 12, 2026
& Mal Waldrep, as expected, is next man up.
“Does a really good job. Smart, tough, dependable. Does a good job there.”
🔗 https://t.co/7vTmIXD0xZ pic.twitter.com/5ufUUNIdCK
Racin Delgatty injury update: Alabama center's status up in the air to take on Tennessee
Delgatty apparently hurt his knee on the final drive of the dance with Georgia, getting rolled up on awkwardly. If he can't play, Alabama will have to rely on backup center Mal Waldrep, who the coaching staff seems to have a ton of belief in.
However, it can't be overstated enough just how important Delgatty has been for Bama this season, especially when it comes to helping Keelon Russell on a week-to-week basis. Those two have developed a strong bond, so Delgatty sitting out the matchup with the Vols could prove to be a big issue for DeBoer.
That will be something for the Vols to take advantage of, as plenty of eyes are going to be on Gilliam. The Penn State transfer has inarguably been one of Tennessee's top players on defense throughout the start of the campaign. Gilliam has been on a tear of late, including another sack in the 24-17 win over Arkansas this past weekend in Fayetteville.
On the year, Gilliam, a 6-foot-2, 305-pounder, has recorded 14 pressure, five sacks, and two forced fumbles. He has given opposing offensive lines all sorts of issues this year, which Alabama is hoping to prevent. However, when you have someone of Delgatty's caliber potentially set to be ruled out, it's only going to complicate the offense a bit.
And this is something you already know that defensive coordinator Jim Knowles is going to be all over. Add in the fact that star wide receiver Ryan Coleman-Williams is doubtful to suit up against the Vols, and Knowles knows that those two starters being out will haunt the Tide a little bit - he'll be ready to scheme some changes up to make life even worse for OC Ryan Grubb.
Only time will tell if Delgatty doesn't put the pads on, but DeBoer sort of made it seem like a longshot that he'll be healthy enough in time to play. With the Vols underdogs against Bama, Tennessee will take any help it can get to shake up the SEC even more by handing the Tide their second loss of the season. Delgatty being unavailable won't be the only reason the Vols flirt with an upset, but it can't be overlooked once the weekend gets here if Bama has to go to war without him.
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