The Alabama Crimson Tide are hosting the Georgia Bulldogs on Saturday night in one of the biggest games of the season, and while much has been made about potential weather impact, it does appear as of Thursday morning the game will be played on time.

With the reveal of the initial injury report on Wednesday night, one critical piece of the Alabama offense was listed as questionable, but it’s with an extremely serious injury. Tight end Josh Ford, who may be the biggest reason for the resurgence of the running game this season, broke his forearm against Mississippi State and had surgery on Sunday, but is still trying to get out there.

NEW: Alabama TE Josh Ford broke his arm against Mississippi State and had surgery on Sunday.

Kalen DeBeoer is "optimistic" Ford can play this week against Georgia.https://t.co/oZ2BljAUK1 pic.twitter.com/xSl9qB3IOH

— On3 (@On3) October 7, 2026

The most shocking part? Head coach Kalen DeBoer is optimistic that Ford has a chance to play.

“He actually broke his arm in the game on Saturday, had surgery on Sunday,” DeBoer said this week according to BamaOnLine. “He’s determined to get on the football field. Actually, progressing along fairly well right now. We’ll kind of see how the week continues for him. I know where his mindset is at. We just got to make sure he meets the levels we need him to meet as far as being physically ready.

“He’s doing a great job. It’s going well. We’re optimistic.”

While Ford has just one reception on the season — though it was a memorable one-handed touchdown against South Carolina — his impact on the offense does not always show up in the stat sheet. Clearing the lanes for running backs and setting the tone physically, Ford is like an extra offensive lineman who you can get on the move.

His relentless mindset is being shown once again this week as he clamors to get back on the field, even after just having surgery. Time will tell if he can actually do it, but just the attempt should set an example about toughness for the rest of the team.