Nick Saban spoke with the media following practice on Wednesday, and revealed that sophomore wide receiver JoJo Earle suffered a Jones fracture this week. As of now the timetable for his return is not fully known, but the receiver is expected to miss six to eight weeks.

Earle joined the team in the 2021 recruiting cycle and quickly established himself as one of the most explosive athletes on the team, earning punt return duties as a true freshman.

Crimson Tide Photos / UA Athletics
Crimson Tide Photos / UA Athletics
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Saban revealed Earle had been making significant progress this offseason.

"He was doing a really good job, having a really good camp," Saban said.

This is now the second injury of the young receiver's Alabama career. Earle went down in Week 10 last year with a leg injury against New Mexico State and missed the Tide's next three games, returning for the semifinal matchup with Cincinnati.

In 12 appearances, Earle hauled in 12 receptions for 148 yards and returned 16 punts for 88 yards.

The Aledo, TX native was in competition for Alabama's open position in the slot, and looked to be ready to fill the role, but now another player will be forced to step up. While there is a plethora of four and five-star players waiting for an opportunity on this team, very few can match what Earle brings to the offense with his elite speed.

Alabama takes the field on September 3 to face off against Utah State at home in Bryant-Denny Stadium, and will now likely be without one of its highly touted targets.

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