Because Alabama football is entering a transition period with a new head coach and plenty of roster changes, it must rely on the constants that remain on the team, and that includes the trenches. Saturday night's season opener versus Western Kentucky was a perfect tune-up for an already elite offensive line, but the injury bug struck before the game even began.

Stellar left tackle Kadyn Proctor suffered an undisclosed injury during warmups and is on the sidelines with his left arm in a sling, via Bama247's Mike Rodak. Yikes.

That could be a big blow to the Crimson Tide depending on the severity of the injury. Obviously, sustaining a loss right before kickoff can have negative consequences on the game plan, but Alabama is the vastly superior team on the field.

The Tide earned a 63-0 victory, with quarterback Jalen Milroe leading the way with 279 total yards and five total touchdowns. He exploited the Hilltoppers' leaky secondary and connected with Ryan Williams for an 84-yard score in the first half. The freshman wide receiver has an astonishing two catches for 139 yards and two TDs. X-factor running back Justice Haynes has four carries for 102 rushing yards and one touchdown, rounding out a lethal offensive attack.

There were some hiccups, however, despite what the scoreboard indicates. Alabama has committed seven penalties for 60 yards, indicating that there are some things for head coach Kalen DeBoer to address at practice next week. The team has time to straighten out, as South Florida rolls into Tuscaloosa next Saturday. Eventually, though, Milroe and the Crimson Tide will need their top protector back on the field.

Elite O-Line play is an integral part of Alabama football

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Sophomore Kadyn Proctor is one of the best offensive lineman in the country and is coming off a season in which he earned Freshman All-American honors. He was especially impactful in last year's huge SEC Championship win over Georgia. The Bulldogs will be licking their lips if they get to visit a Proctor-less Bama squad in Week 5.

Stomachs dropped when it was revealed that the former five-star recruit was transferring to Iowa, the program he initially committed to before ultimately enrolling in Alabama in 2023. He had a change of heart, however, opting to return to the Tide for year one of the Kalen DeBoer Era.

Elijah Pritchett is filling in at left tackle in lieu of the late injury news. He got hurt himself, though, and was seen tending to his ankle on the sidelines before eventually returning to the field. Milroe is making noticeable strides, but he will need his O-Line to be sturdy if he is going to be at his best.

Proctor has the ability to open up so many lanes for the offense, thereby allowing an innovative mind like DeBoer to work his magic on a consistent basis. Hopefully, there will be some positivity to come out of the Kadyn Proctor situation. For now, Alabama football fans can at least take solace in the fact that there is no stress in the game itself.