Alabama's offensive line remains a question mark without one returning starter available, but Ryan Grubb isn't concerned

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- Alabama's offensive line still isn't quite settled yet. Three of those five positions seem locked in with tackles Kadyn Proctor and Wilkin Formby, as well as center Parker Brailsford, but the two guard spots are yet to be determined -- or are they?

During Tuesday's practice, we reported that Kam Dewberry and Geno VanDeMark continued to be the two players working with the first team at left and right guard, respectively. That continued development makes sense with Jaeden Roberts still working his way through concussion protocol, but it's beginning to get to a point where that could very well be your starting duo against Florida State in Week 1.

After practice was over, Alabama offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb spoke to the media, and with Roberts continuing to be held out, he was asked how confident he was in Dewberry and VanDeMark running tandem with the first team.

“Very comfortable,” Grubb told reporters. “Those are two veteran players, very versatile, too. They can play left or right, so they’re interchangeable. Kam brings a lot of physical presence to him, and Geno is a savvy player that knows how to connect with his center.”

Roberts has significant experience over the last two seasons. Not only is he entering his fifth year with the program, but he's played 1,072 snaps with 21 starts dating back to the midway point of the 2023 season. He's struggled to stay healthy though, and that age-old saying, "the best ability is availability" rings true here.

VanDeMark and Dewberry have experience too. VanDeMark has played 908 snaps in his career with 10 starts. Of those, 409 snaps and two starts came last year at Alabama. Dewberry is new to Tuscaloosa, but he's got plenty of experience in the SEC too (1,105 snaps, eight starts).

If the Crimson Tide are without Roberts for a road, Week 1 matchup against Florida State, you'll still have five starters who have played meaningful SEC snaps -- and have even started games. Given the environment, that experience could prove to be critical too. Hopefully, Roberts is able to return prior to next Saturday, but he's got to start making moves.