Alabama’s home finale against Eastern Illinois will proceed without three significant contributors on offense, as the Crimson Tide looks to bounce back from last Saturday’s disappointing loss to Oklahoma.
Head coach Kalen DeBoer confirmed this week that wide receiver Germie Bernard and offensive lineman Parker Brailsford will both sit out the Week 13 contest. The decision comes after both players dealt with injuries during the Oklahoma game, and holding them out against Eastern Illinois is largely precautionary, giving them extra time to heal.
DeBoer addressed Brailsford’s situation during his SEC teleconference appearance this week, noting that the offensive lineman’s availability is “a little bit up in the air”.
Bernard reportedly also visited the medical tent during the Oklahoma game through 64 snaps despite nursing injuries.
Alabama will be without starting tight end Josh Cuevas for today’s home finale vs. Eastern Illinois.
Cuevas suffered an injury during practice this week, per sources.
WR Germie Bernard and C Parker Brailsford also won’t play today.
🔗 https://t.co/afJMbJGuKy pic.twitter.com/bjzMwb4Xfy
— Charlie Potter (@Charlie_Potter) November 22, 2025
The third absence will be tight end Josh Cuevas, who suffered a foot injury during Wednesday’s practice this week. Unlike Bernard and Brailsford, Cuevas’s injury appears more serious and occurred after the Oklahoma game had already concluded.
Meanwhile, the game saw Alabama coming out swinging in the first quarter against Eastern Illinois, putting together an impressive display to take a 14–0 lead after the end of the first quarter.
Is Ryan Williams Playing in the Iron Bowl?
In the 2025 season, Alabama wide receiver Ryan Williams has been a key contributor to the team’s overall offensive success, registering 39 receptions for 573 yards and 4 touchdowns to date.
Despite concerns surrounding an injury, he played against LSU in Week 11 and recently led Alabama in the Senior Day Walk of Champions before the game with Eastern Illinois.
Considering both recent games against LSU and Eastern Illinois, it is likely that Williams will play against Auburn next week in the Iron Bowl at Jordan-Hare Stadium.
On a separate note, there have been rumors regarding an off-the-field issue impacting Williams’ play, with some reporters and insiders even saying he is unrecognizable compared to past seasons.
Alabama leads Eastern Illinois 14–0.
What are your thoughts? pic.twitter.com/2s56Yuc3yq
— Ryan C. Fowler (@RyanCFowler) November 22, 2025
Alabama is currently ranked in the top 10 nationally.
Read More:
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- “Handed Him a Used Rolls Royce”: Colin Cowherd Minces No Words on Hardships Behind Kalen DeBoer’s Alabama Takeover From Nick Saban
- Kalen DeBoer’s Daughter Alexis Drops Heartfelt Message With Nostalgic Memory As Alabama HC Turns 51
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