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Speculation has surrounded the health of Alabama starting quarterback Jalen Milroe over the last few weeks of the season. Some said he didn’t look himself throughout a three-game stretch that included South Carolina, Tennessee, and Missouri.
The Crimson Tide lost to the Vols and nearly fell to the Gamecocks before getting back on track against the Tigers. They then had the benefit of a bye week before a monster matchup in Death Valley against LSU.
That highly anticipated contest ended in blowout fashion with Alabama ripping off a 42-13 win. It led to questions surrounding the quarterback position. Has Jalen Milroe been playing hurt?
The speculation arose in October as the Tide struggled to a 2-2 output. Many claimed that Milroe was being slowed by a lower body injury that hampered his ability to successfully run the football.
“I don’t know if he looks hurt, I just feel like he’s not making the layups.” @Harp41 on @AlabamaFTBL Quarterback Jalen Milroe pic.twitter.com/QmQeXcb7nA
— The Next Round (@NextRoundLive) October 24, 2024
Some ran with the narrative. Others disagreed. But there was a major debate forming around the status of the preseason Heisman candidate.
Making matters more mysterious, Alabama refused to comment on their starting signal caller’s health despite the rumors. Jalen Milroe, himself, said he was “shocked” to hear about the speculation on social media.
It was said on Finebaum earlier today that Jalen Milroe was “shocked” when he found out there was a narrative circling that he was injured.
— Sidelines – Bama (@SSN_Alabama) October 25, 2024
Milroe’s production certainly took a hit last month as he threw for more interceptions and touchdowns and was sacked 11 times across four outings. His inability to evade the pass rush was evident, but was he hurt? We may never know!
His teammates ensured that he was playing at full strength. They insisted that there was no conspiracy by the coaching staff to hide an injury at the offense’s most critical position.
“Jalen Milroe is 100%,” said offensive lineman Tyler Booker. “I think I answered that a little bit too quickly. Nobody is ever going to be 100%. I’m hurting right now. Playing football in the SEC, you’re never going to be 100%. What I meant to say is Jalen is going to be able to do everything in his power to help us win the game.”
Milroe officially put the rumors to bed against LSU. He erupted for a season-high 185 rushing yards and four touchdowns. The Tigers simply couldn’t contain him.
On one run in particular, he hit 22.5 MPH on the radar gun while scampering for a 72-yard score. This is a 225-pound quarterback running with skill position speed! If he wasn’t 100% before, he appears to be now.
Jalen Milroe is running in the 4.3-4.4 range at 6’2”, 225 lbs. #NFLDraft
— Football Scout 365™️ (@DraftAnalyst365) November 10, 2024
If Jalen Milroe continues to play at this level in Alabama’s final three games, the Crimson Tide should be College Football Playoff bound. They’ll have Mercer, Oklahoma, and Auburn to finish out the regular season. Those defenses will be weary of the quarterback’s running ability following his most recent display.