The hits keep on coming for the Alabama Crimson Tide.

It was revealed after Wednesday’s practice that backup defensive tackle Jeremiah Beaman, who was starting in place of the injured Tim Keenan, had seriously injured his knee and will now be out for the remainder of the season.

It’s a devastating blow to the Tide, who are already vulnerable to start the season. After Week 1’s porous outing against Florida State, the calls for head coach Kalen DeBoer’s job are getting louder, whether it be from fans, media, or even boosters.

Now with the injury to Beaman, it forces yet another player to step up, and it may just be someone who isn’t ready for it yet. 

The coaching staff was raving about Beaman during spring camp, especially from defensive coordinator, Kane Wommack.

Last season, the former four-star recruit redshirted his freshman season after only playing 30 snaps, but he took the opportunity during the offseason to enhance his body by gaining 47 pounds.

“He’s operating with consistency we can trust. I’m excited about his trajectory,” Wommack stated during spring camp.

Unfortunately for Beaman, it’s time to get back to work and attempt to get ready for the 2026 season.

Judging based on Alabama’s depth chart, that would likely mean that true freshman, London Simmons would be next in line.

Simmons was a three-star recruit coming out of Flowood, Mississippi, and was the 18th-ranked player in the state. But with players like him, getting the start this early on in his career could either be the best thing to happen to him or the worst.

It all depends on how Simmons – the man – reacts to significantly high pressure.

Beyond Simmons, there are a few lineman who can step in for Beaman and play slightly out of position, should DeBoer opt for someone with more experience.

Redshirt sophomore Edric Hill is an option, as well as redshirt freshman Isaia Faga.

Hill managed to see some time last week in Tallahassee, where he registered two total tackles (a solo and an assisted), while Faga secured two assisted tackles.

Regardless, losing two of your top linemen is problematic, especially for a program that had a tough time rushing the quarterback and putting pressure in the trenches.

For the young guns, it’s put up or shut up until Keenan, who’s recovering from tightrope surgery returns to full speed, which his status is currently week-to-week.

Bama has two non-conference meetups for the following two weeks; one against UL Monroe – who already has a history with the Tide, as well as Wisconsin the following week. Then SEC play starts to pick up after an early bye, which would be helpful for all healing parties.

Either way, Alabama is already being tested at a major level. But the one question is, will the adapt or perish?