Kalen DeBoer’s Alabama Squad Dealt Devastating Blow as Core Offensive ‘Uniter’ Out for Year
Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer announced that starting tight end Josh Ford will be sidelined for the remainder of the 2026 campaign following a severe ACL tear sustained during Saturday's 31-13 victory over LSU in Baton Rouge. Despite the injury, Ford contributed two receptions for 15 yards and a touchdown before exiting late in the fourth quarter, refusing a medical cart to walk off the field under his own power.
This marks the second significant injury for the 6-foot-6, 265-pound junior this season, who previously played through a broken left arm against Mississippi State in October after having a titanium rod inserted. Ford, a transfer from Oklahoma State where he recorded 13 catches for 137 yards and two touchdowns, had already made an impact in his debut season with the Crimson Tide with five receptions for 41 yards and two scores.
While the loss of Ford's size and experience presents a challenge, the coaching staff expressed confidence in their depth chart to fill the void left by the player's absence.
