TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - Alabama wide receiver JoJo Earle is expected to miss the first month of the season with a broken foot.
Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban said Wednesday that Earle sustained a Jones fracture in practice "a couple of days ago." Saban said recovery typically takes six to eight weeks and that the sophomore receiver and kick returner could be back as early as the Arkansas game on Oct. 1.
Alabama opens against Utah State on Sept. 3. The Tide will visit Texas the following week, then host the University of Louisiana at Monroe and their Southeastern Conference opener against Vanderbilt before visiting Arkansas.
"He was doing a really, really good job, having a really good camp," Saban said. "Probably the best he's been on a consistent basis. Just saw a guy that grew up and was playing with a lot of confidence. We'll miss him for a while."
Last season, Earle had 12 catches for 148 yards and averaged 5.9 yards on 15 punt returns before missing three games with a leg injury late in the schedule. He was vying for a starting job this season with Alabama having to replace receivers Jameson Williams, John Metchie III and Slade Bolden.