Alabama will have one of its most experienced players back for 2023.

Defensive lineman Justin Eboigbe, who suffered a season-ending neck injury last September, tweeted Monday evening that he has been “100% Healed and Cleared.”

Eboigbe played in the first four games last season as a senior but had surgery in October, with Nick Saban later saying the procedure would “enhance his opportunity to be able to play in the future.” There were indications in recent months that would happen, including Saban saying last month that Eboigbe would participate in portions of spring practice that were not full contact.

The 6-foot-5, 292-pound Eboigbe will be a redshirt senior this fall. He played in 42 games over his first four seasons, including 14 starts. He did not start any of his four appearances last season, but Saban noted the impact his absence had in defending opponents’ running games.

Eboigbe’s 42 career appearances are the most of any Alabama defender. He is expected to be part of a defensive line that lost DJ Dale and Byron Young to the NFL draft, but returns Jaheim Oatis, Tim Smith and others.

Mike Rodak is an Alabama beat reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @mikerodak.