Kalen DeBoer 'optimistic' for Jam Miller, Josh Cuevas return for Alabama vs Oklahoma

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While Jam Miller didn’t play in Alabama‘s 28-7 SEC Championship Game loss to Georgia, Crimson Tide coach Kalen DeBoer said the Alabama running back is the “farthest along” for a return for the College Football Playoff first round game against Oklahoma.

In a teleconference after announcing Alabama’s CFP bid, DeBoer shared updates on Miller, tight end Josh Cuevas and LT Overton, who each missed the Crimson Tide’s loss to Georgia. And DeBoer has high expectations for Miller.

“I feel really that he’s got a really strong chance of being not just available, but ready to go at a level he can compete in and do some good things for us,” DeBoer said.

DeBoer said Cuevas is “on his way,” and that he is “holding on to some pretty good hope” in the tight end’s return.

Overton and defensive lineman Kelby Collins, DeBoer said, are “optimistic” to return as they navigate “some of their illnesses.”

Alabama kicks off against Oklahoma at 7 p.m. CT Friday, Dec. 19, on ABC.

Kalen DeBoer shares update on Zabien Brown, Justin Jefferson

DeBoer expects both defensive back Zabien Brown and linebacker Justin Jefferson to be “good to go” for the Crimson Tide’s College Football Playoff first-round game against Oklahoma Friday, Dec. 19.

DeBoer admitted he hadn’t seen a report after both Jefferson and Brown left but that he would “expect with the severity” that both would play against the Sooners.

Jefferson was attended to by trainers after a 22-yard punt return by Zachariah Branch in the third quarter. Brown left the game after Alabama allowed a 9-yard touchdown run by Georgia running back Nate Frazier.

Colin Gay covers Alabama football for The Tuscaloosa News, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach him at cgay@gannett.com or follow him @_ColinGay on X, formerly known as Twitter. 

This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: Kalen DeBoer shares Alabama football injury update for Oklahoma

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