Jalen Hale hasn’t played in a football game since 2023.

That’s not expected to change for Alabama football’s final game of the 2024 season: The ReliaQuest Bowl against Michigan on Tuesday. But Hale returning to the practice field recently has been welcomed nonetheless after he sustained a significant knee injury in the spring.

“It’s just been great to have him back out there,” Alabama offensive coordinator Nick Sheridan said Friday. “Everything he’s been through, the perseverance, the grit, the toughness. The kid loves football. He’s had a big smile on his face. His presence has uplifted everybody around him. We’re just thankful he’s back out there with us.”

During the brief media viewing period Friday while the Crimson Tide practiced for the first time at Berkeley Preparatory School in Tampa, Hale was running routes and catching passes. He was wearing a black non-contact jersey and a brace on his left knee.

Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer said earlier in December he does not anticipate Hale playing in the bowl game, but is “excited” to see Hale practicing anyway.

Hale is a sophomore receiver from Longview, Texas. He played in 13 games as a freshman in 2023. Hale caught five passes for 148 yards and on e

Nick Kelly is an Alabama beat writer for AL.com and the Alabama Media Group. Follow him on X and Instagram.