Prior to the ReliaQuest Bowl, Alabama football wide receiver Jalen Hale practices.

There was a familiar face at wide receiver during Alabama football’s ReliaQuest Bowl practice. On Friday, reporters were permitted to watch Jalen Hale run routes during practice in Tampa.

Hale suffered a serious injury to his left leg during spring practice, ending his season before it ever started. Reporters saw him for the first time during the observation window, but he had returned to practice in some manner prior to the bowl.

Prior to the Crimson Tide’s trip to Tampa, Kalen DeBoer stated that Hale was making progress, but he was still out for Tuesday’s game.

“He has been out there, but I don’t think you’ll see him in the bowl,” DeBoer remarked. We must have been going around and doing things a week or two ago since we were so happy. I know he was enjoying the moment, going out there, working through the process, and moving forward, but it was still enjoyable to watch his body running around and making him smile. Again, there was no complete contact at that point.

Hale wore a black jersey, which designates a non-contact participant in practice, despite being kitted out. During the observation sessions, he caught multiple passes.

In his debut season in Tuscaloosa, the sophomore, who joined the Crimson Tide in the 2023 class, concluded with five receptions for 148 yards and a score. When he graduated from high school, he was rated as a four-star recruit.

For the Michigan game, Alabama’s wide receiver depth is limited. Kobe Prentice, Kendrick Law, Caleb Odom, and Emmanuel Henderson were among the Crimson Tide players who hit the transfer portal at that position.

Alabama will only have four scholarship wideouts available for the game due to a few receiving ailments. Among them are Rico Scott, Jaren Hamilton, Germie Bernard, and Ryan Williams.

For the Michigan game, though, it appeared like the group had added a face. Jaylen Mbakwe, an offensive player who wore the number six in white, was rehearsing with the groups.

The game between Michigan and Alabama is set to begin at Raymond James Stadium on Tuesday at 11 a.m. CT. ESPN will broadcast the game.