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Alabama WR Ryan Williams suddenly has a lot more on his plate following season-ending injury to teammate

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Rob Gregson | Last updated Nov 4, 2024 10:28 PM ET

Ryan Williams has taken the nation by storm due to his prowess on the perimeter of the Alabama Crimson Tide's offense.

One of the most dynamic true freshmen to ever play in the sport, Williams is more than just a pass catcher, with some reps at punt returner this year.

Well, following an injury update from HC Kalen DeBoer, Williams may now take on fully time return responsibilities, adding to his workload as the Tide approach must-win territory:

WR-PR Cole Adams Out For Remainder of Season

“With his injury, he’ll be out for the year," said DeBoer on Monday when asked of Adams' injury. "We had to deal with that last week and unfortunately, because Cole is a guy that pours everything into it. Had an injury early in the season. Obviously at the time probably thought that was going to be something more significant as far as the time frame with the first one. Just seeing the effort he put into that first injury, you really found out a lot about who he was as a person and as a player, just the toughness he had. Unfortunately, he had another injury here now. Lower body injury. He’ll be done with the season here this year.”

Adams wasn't featured in the offense at a high rate, but the redshirt freshman was starting to make some headway on the depth chat and was clearly the top returner on the team.

And while he projects to take the next step when returning from injury next season, the team is left to decide who will field punts for the rest of the season.

Williams gives the team the best chance with Adams out for the season, but at what point does it become obvious that's he needed more at WR than anywhere else, with unnecessary miles coming via punt returns?

But with Coach DeBoer admitting that the team's back is against the wall and the season is on the line against the LSU Tigers, it may take everything the Tide have to reach the College Football Playoff.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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