Saturday’s showdown with Wisconsin just got more complicated for Alabama. With multiple key players battling injuries, Kalen DeBoer faces crucial decisions that could shape the Crimson Tide’s ability to bounce back from their Florida State upset. Some players are pushing to return, others remain sidelined, and one star receiver finally looks ready to make his comeback after missing last week’s blowout win.
Which Alabama Players Are Game-Time Decisions for Wisconsin?
According to a social media post from reporter Wyatt Fulton, DeBoer confirmed that defensive lineman Jah-Marien Latham, running back Jam Miller, and nose tackle Tim Keenan III will all be game-time decisions for Wisconsin.
Kalen DeBoer says Jah-Marien Latham, Jam Miller, and Tim Keenan III are all game-time decisions.
“We expect [Ryan Williams] to play.”
“Danny Lewis will be out this weekend, but is making progress.”
— Wyatt Fulton (@FultonW_) September 10, 2025
Latham presents the most immediate concern after leaving the Florida State opener with a left-leg injury that required help getting off the field. The sixth-year veteran made 11 starts in 2024, recording over 29 tackles while rotating between bandit and wolf positions. His versatile skill set makes him difficult to replace in Alabama’s defensive scheme.
Miller’s situation creates depth concerns in the backfield. The senior back suffered a collarbone injury during a mid-August scrimmage, putting his availability in doubt after being projected as Alabama’s RB1. Miller rushed for 668 yards and seven touchdowns in 2024, particularly valued for his pass protection and short-yardage work that Alabama relies on in tough road games.
Meanwhile, Keenan faces the longest recovery timeline after undergoing tightrope surgery for a high-ankle sprain sustained in late August practice. The fifth-year captain was expected to miss multiple games, but his potential availability for Wisconsin would provide a significant boost to Alabama’s defensive front.
The injury report also includes tight end Danny Lewis Jr., who will miss Saturday’s game but is “making progress” in his recovery from an earlier injury, DeBoer noted. His absence further limits Alabama’s already thin tight end depth heading into a tough road environment.
Will Ryan Williams Play Against Wisconsin After His Concussion?
DeBoer delivered encouraging news about Ryan Williams, telling reporters the team “expects” the sophomore to play against Wisconsin. Williams sustained a concussion in the Florida State loss and missed the Louisiana-Monroe blowout while in protocol.
Getting Williams back would provide massive relief for Alabama’s passing attack. The talented receiver led the team with 865 yards and eight touchdowns as a freshman, becoming a key weapon in the Crimson Tide’s offensive arsenal. Alabama struggled to move the ball consistently at Florida State without its top receiver, managing just 17 points in the upset loss.
Now they face a Wisconsin team that enters undefeated at 2-0 under third-year coach Luke Fickell. The Badgers will likely focus on stopping Alabama’s ground game, making Williams’ presence crucial for stretching the field and creating opportunities underneath.
How Does This Week’s Matchup Shape Up for Both Teams?
Alabama enters this matchup looking to build momentum after its dramatic response to adversity. The Crimson Tide suffered a shocking 31-17 loss at Florida State in Week 1, snapping a 23-game season opener winning streak. But Alabama answered back emphatically, crushing Louisiana-Monroe 73-0 at home in Week 2 for the largest margin of victory since the early 1950s.
Wisconsin presents a completely different challenge, showing steady improvement in Fickell’s system. They opened with a 17-0 shutout win over Miami (OH) before following up with a 42-10 victory over Middle Tennessee.
This week’s clash becomes crucial for both programs seeking to establish early momentum. For Alabama, proving they can win a tough road game with key players potentially sidelined would show real character. The kickoff is set for Saturday at 11 a.m. CT in what promises to be a physical, hard-fought battle.
