Gary Cosby Jr.-USA TODAY Sports

Alabama head coach Nick Saban said Wednesday that wide receiver JoJo Earle suffered a fractured foot during a recent practice and would miss six to eight weeks.

"He was doing a really, really good job, having a really good camp," Saban told reporters. "Probably the best he's been on a consistent basis. Just saw a guy that grew up and was playing with a lot of confidence. We'll miss him for a while."

The 5-foot-10, 177-pound Earle was a Freshman All-SEC selection last season as a return specialist. He racked up 88 yards on 15 punt returns in 2021, with a long of 29. He also had 12 catches for 148 yards.

Now a sophomore, Earle was expected to compete for playing time on an offense that just lost receivers Jameson Williams, John Metchie III and Slade Bolden to the NFL.

Saban said Earle "hopefully" could return by Oct. 1, when Alabama hits the road to play Arkansas. The Crimson Tide's season begins Sept. 3 against Utah State.

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Saints star RB reportedly open to restructured deal
Brandon Aiyuk tells ex-teammate the 49ers 'don't want me back'
Former DPOY remaining patient as he looks for 'right opportunity'
Jets to add two to coaching staff in assistant roles
Noteworthy Mets veteran addresses future amid trade speculation
Veteran goaltender expected to retire, join Blues front office
Les Miles levies a shocking claim against LSU in lawsuit
Reporters update Aaron Rodgers' recovery from torn Achilles
Blue Jays right-hander dealing with soreness in right elbow
Seahawks expect second-year WR to be 'massive piece'
Flyers sign defenseman to two-year extension
Star CB discusses future with Broncos
Lightning winger named a potential buyout candidate
Curry Brand signs 'Japanese Steph Curry' to multi-year deal
Steelers LB T.J. Watt addresses retirement timeline
136-game streak comes to an end for Spain in Euro 2024 opener
Watch: Bryson DeChambeau pays tribute to the late Payne Stewart after winning U.S. Open
Rory McIlroy chokes away U.S. Open with pair of brutal missed putts
Watch: Dodgers' Mookie Betts leaves game after taking 98 mph pitch to hand
Dodgers' Dave Roberts confirms Yoshinobu Yamamoto is going on 15-day IL