Tuscaloosa, Ala. – Alabama offensive line coach Ryan Grubb provided an update on the left guard position after the Tide’s 48‑10 victory over the East Carolina Pirates on Saturday. Grubb confirmed that sophomore William Sanders is coping with an oblique injury that forced him out of the game after the first half.
Injury details and immediate impact
“Will was dealing with a little bit of an oblique, and so, trying to help him out to get through the game, he had battled through it all week, and he’s doing great now,” Grubb said in a Monday press briefing. “But we knew we had a guy now that had taken a lot of reps with the ones all camp. So I felt good about getting both those guys out there and getting reps. Certainly would’ve loved to see Will finish out the game. He came back out there. But we’d like to keep the lineup as consistent as possible.”
Sanders started the first half at left guard, but the injury limited his effectiveness. When he left the field, senior Mal Waldrep Jr. stepped in for the second half and finished the game at left guard. The coaching staff emphasized the importance of maintaining continuity on the offensive line, especially after a season that began with many unanswered questions about depth and experience.
Depth chart context
Leading into the 2026 season, Alabama entered the year with only one returning starter on the offensive line: sophomore Michael Carroll, who moved from right tackle to right guard during the offseason. The coaching staff filled the remaining spots with a mix of returning players and transfers. Jackson Lloyd earned the starting job at left tackle, while Racin Delgatty took over at center. The competition for the left guard spot featured both William Sanders and Mal Waldrep Jr., while Texas transfer Nick Brooks and Mississippi State transfer Jayvin James vied for the right tackle position.
Alabama released its depth chart ahead of the ECU game, listing Sanders as the starter at left guard. The injury forced the staff to adjust on the fly, highlighting the depth that the coaching staff has built through the offseason and spring practices.
Coach Grubb’s outlook
Grubb expressed confidence in the unit’s ability to adapt. “We have a lot of guys who have been working hard all week, and the line is staying healthy overall,” he said. “Our priority is to keep the lineup as consistent as possible, and we’ll continue to give reps to the players who are ready.” He added that the medical staff is monitoring Sanders closely and expects him to return to practice once cleared.
What this means for the Tide’s run game
The Tide’s dominant performance against ECU showcased a powerful ground attack, with the offensive line opening lanes for the running backs and providing solid protection for the quarterback. Maintaining a healthy and cohesive line will be critical as Alabama prepares for its upcoming conference schedule, where defensive fronts tend to be more aggressive.
Fans can look forward to seeing how the depth players, particularly Waldrep Jr., perform in the coming weeks. The coaching staff’s emphasis on preparation and consistency aligns with the program’s tradition of fielding a disciplined, physically tough offensive unit.
Looking ahead
Alabama’s next matchup will test the line’s ability to stay healthy and execute against a stronger defensive opponent. Coach Grubb assured supporters that the team is focused on the fundamentals—blocking assignments, technique, and teamwork—rather than getting distracted by injuries. “We’ll keep working, keep improving, and keep winning for Alabama,” he concluded.
For ongoing coverage of Alabama football, follow Ryan Grubb’s updates on the Tide’s official channels and stay tuned to local sports outlets.
Original reporting: The Tuscaloosa Thread — read the source article.
