Alabama's Josh Ford trending to play against No. 2 Georgia after broken arm

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TUSCALOOSA, AL – It’s scarcely been a week since Alabama tight end Josh Ford broke his arm in the Crimson Tide’s win at Mississippi State, and just six days since Ford underwent surgery to repair the injury.

Despite the setback, Ford intends to play Saturday night when ]No. 7 Alabama (5-0) hosts second-ranked Georgia in an SEC showdown, two people familiar with Ford’s recovery told USA TODAY Sports. The people requested the anonymity due to the sensitivity of the situation.

“He came to the coaches later this week and said, ‘I’m going to play,’” an individual with knowledge Ford's status told USA TODAY Sports. “He’s made it clear he’s going to do everything he can to be out there.”

The ultimate decision on Ford’s availability will be made in pre-game. A different individual told USA TODAY Sports that the 6-foot-6, 266-pounder who transferred to Alabama in January after two seasons at Oklahoma State will test the arm during pre-game drills.

“He’s going to go through ‘thud,’ see how it does with contact,” the individual said, “but he’s told his teammates he’s playing.”

During Wednesday's SEC coaches’ teleconference, Tide coach Kalen DeBoer revealed Ford’s mindset.

“He’s determined to get on the football field,” DeBoer said. “Actually progressing along fairly well right now. We’ll kind of see how the week continues for him. I know where his mindset is at.

“We just got to make sure he meets the levels we need him to be at as far as being physically ready. He’s doing a great job. It’s going well. We’re optimistic.”

Ford has caught just one pass, for three yards and a touchdown in Alabama’s home win against South Carolina on Sept. 26.

But Ford has helped the Crimson Tide’s revamped, more physical running game in 2026. Alabama is averaging 186 yards per game on the ground this season, up 82 yards per game over the 2025 team’s output.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Alabama's Josh Ford trending to play against No. 2 Georgia after broken arm

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