Alabama

Alabama NFL roundup: Where was Derrick Henry?

Published

2 months ago

December 22, 2025

Alabama NFL roundup: Where was Derrick Henry?

Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry ran for 128 yards and two touchdowns on 18 carries against the New England Patriots on Sunday.

Henry opened the scoring with a 21-yard run with 12:21 left in the first quarter and scored on a 2-yard run as Baltimore took an 11-point lead with 12:50 remaining.

But he did not get on the field again, and the Ravens lost to the Patriots 28-24.

New England answered Henry’s second touchdown with one of their own (plus a 2-point conversion) to cut Baltimore’s lead to three points with 9:01 to play.

When the Ravens, playing without starting quarterback Lamar Jackson by that point, took possession, they had Keaton Mitchell at running back. He carried the football on two of Baltimore’s six snaps before the Ravens punted.

New England scored another touchdown with 2:07 left to take a four-point lead. Baltimore took the field without Henry again and threw two passes. The second was completed, but fumbled, and the Patriots recovered to seal their victory.

After the game, Ravens coach John Harbaugh was asked if Henry should have been in the backfield after New England cut the lead to three points.

“I mean, yeah,” Harbaugh said. “I mean, I look back, and I say yeah. …

“Looking back, would I rather have Derrick starting the drive? Yeah, but you know, Derrick was kind of ready for Keaton to start that drive, and then he was planning on coming in next. So they were working that rotation. You look back on it, I think it’s pretty easy to say he should have been in there or shouldn’t have been in there, but we’re rotating those guys throughout the game as two backs. But yeah, game-winning drive, do I want Derrick Henry in the on the field? Sure, I do want him on the field.”

Mitchell finished the game with 13 yards on nine carries.

“We’ve been doing the rotation for how many weeks,” Henry said. “Keaton’s doing a great job in the run game. We’re both in there doing the best we can. We got a lot of good players, so everybody has to get their touches, get opportunities. And Keaton is deserving of it.”

Between the touchdowns, Henry lost a fumble at the New England 32-yard line in the first quarter.

Including the playoffs, Henry has 33 games with at least 128 rushing yards. Sunday night’s contest was the third that his team had lost.

The loss dropped Baltimore two games behind the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC North race with two games to play. The Ravens play the Green Bay Packers on Saturday and the Steelers play the Cleveland Browns on Sunday before Baltimore and Pittsburgh square off in the regular-season finale on Jan. 4.

Henry was among the 39 former Alabama players who got on the field on the 16^th Sunday of the NFL’s 106th season.

Four other former Alabama players were involved in the New England-Baltimore game:

Christian Barmore started at defensive tackle for the Patriots. Barmore registered one quarterback hit.
Patriots tight end CJ Dippre was designated as a game-day inactive.
Marlon Humphrey (Hoover) started at cornerback for the Ravens. Humphrey made six tackles, intercepted one pass and broke up another. Humphrey picked off quarterback Drake Maye at the Baltimore 4-yard line in the first quarter. Humphrey’s third interception of the season was the 22nd of his career. That’s tied for the fifth-most by a former Alabama player in the NFL with Russ Craft and Kareem Jackson. Patriots linebacker Anfernee Jennings (Dadeville) recorded his second sack of the season.
Patriots linebacker Anfernee Jennings (Dadeville) recorded his second sack of the season.

In the other Sunday games:

Carolina Panthers 23, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 20

Buccaneers safety Marcus Banks is on the practice squad and not eligible to play.
Buccaneers outside linebacker Chris Braswell made one tackle for loss and had one tackle on special teams.
Panthers defensive end LaBryan Ray (James Clemens) made two tackles.
A’Shawn Robinson started at defensive end for the Panthers. Robinson made one tackle.
Bryce Young started at quarterback for the Panthers. Young completed 21-of-32 passes for 191 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions and ran four times for 20 yards. Young threw touchdown passes of 22 yards to wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan as Carolina took a 13-7 lead with seven seconds left in the first half and 6 yards to tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders as the Panthers went ahead 20-17 with eight seconds left in the third quarter.

PANTHERS TOP BUCS: ‘BRYCE AND THE BOYS MADE SOME PLAYS TO KEEP US ALIVE’

Buffalo Bills 23, Cleveland Browns 20

Browns wide receiver Isaiah Bond had one rushing attempt that lost 1 yard, and while he did not have a reception, he had 21 receiving yards. Cleveland wide receiver Malachi Corley caught a pass 6 yards behind the line of scrimmage and lateraled to Bond, who ran 27 yards to the Buffalo 23-yard line. The play set up a touchdown on the Browns’ opening possession.
Browns offensive lineman Darrian Dalcourt is on the practice squad and not eligible to play.
Browns running back Jerome Ford is on injured reserve and not eligible to play.
Jerry Jeudy started at wide receiver for the Browns. Jeudy had three receptions for 12 yards.
Bills defensive tackle Phidarian Mathis made four tackles after not playing in the previous five games.
Cam Robinson started at left offensive tackle for the Browns.
Tyrell Shavers started at wide receiver for the Bills. Shavers had a 21-yard reception.

Los Angeles Chargers 34, Dallas Cowboys 17

Tyler Booker started at right guard for the Cowboys.
Bradley Bozeman (Handley) started at center for the Chargers.
Trevon Diggs started at cornerback for the Cowboys. Diggs made six tackles. Diggs played for the first time since Oct. 12 after being sidelined for the past eight games by a concussion and knee soreness.
Chargers defensive tackle Justin Eboigbe made one tackle on special teams.
Da’Shawn Hand started at defensive tackle for the Chargers. Hand made two tackles.
Chargers running back Najee Harris is on injured reserve and not eligible to play.
Cowboys wide receiver Traeshon Holden is on the practice squad and not eligible to play.
Chargers punter JK Scott had one punt for 55 yards, which went for a fair catch at the Dallas 19-yard line.
Cowboys defensive tackle Quinnen Williams (Wenonah) was designated as a game-day inactive. A concussion kept Williams out of the lineup.

Cincinnati Bengals 45, Miami Dolphins 21

Jordan Battle started at safety for the Bengals. Battle tied for the team lead with five tackles on defense and had five tackles on special teams. Battle also caused Miami tight end Greg Dulcich to fumble, and Cincinnati recovered at the Dolphins 34-yard line. The Bengals turned the takeaway into a touchdown to take a 24-14 lead with 9:43 left in the third quarter.
Dolphins safety Minkah Fitzpatrick was designated as a game-day inactive. A calf injury kept Fitzpatrick out of the lineup.
Bengals center Seth McLauglin is on the practice squad and not eligible to play.
Tua Tagovailoa was designated as the Dolphins’ emergency third quarterback. Tagovailoa could play only if Quinn Ewers and Zach Wilson could not. It was the first game since the first five of Tagovailoa’s career in 2020 that he did not start when healthy.
Jaylen Waddle started at wide receiver for the Dolphins. Waddle led Miami with five receptions for 72 yards.

New Orleans Saints 29, New York Jets 6

John Metchie III started at wide receiver for the Jets. Metchie had a 4-yard reception.
Ga’Quincy “Kool-Aid” McKinstry (Pinson Valley) started at cornerback for the Saints. McKinstry made five tackles and broke up one pass.
Malachi Moore (Hewitt-Trussville) started at safety for the Jets. Moore made eight tackles and forced one fumble. Moore caused Taysom Hill to fumble on the second snap of the game, and New York recovered at the New Orleans 37-yard line to set up a field goal.
Jets running back Keilan Robinson is on the practice squad and not eligible to play.

Minnesota Vikings 16, New York Giants 13

Jonathan Allen started at defensive tackle for the Vikings. Allen made eight tackles, recorded one sack and had two tackles for loss. Allen registered his highest tackle total since he had eight in the Washington Commanders’ 20-20 tie with the New York Giants on Dec. 4, 2022. Allen has 3.5 sacks this season.
Ryan Kelly started at center for the Vikings. Kelly left the game to be evaluated for a concussion. He has missed time this season because of two concussions already.
Giants offensive linebacker Evan Neal is on injured reserve and not eligible to play.
Vikings kicker Will Reichard (Hoover) made his four kicks – field goals of 43, 31 and 30 yards and one extra point. Reichard’s 30-yard field goal with 4:15 to play broke a 13-13 tie.
Dallas Turner started at outside linebacker for the Vikings. Turner made one tackle.

Tennessee Titans 26, Kansas City Chiefs 9

Jalyn Armour-Davis (St. Paul’s Episcopal) started at cornerback for the Titans. Armour-Davis made two tackles. He returned to the lineup after missing the past three games.
J.C. Latham started at right offensive tackle for the Titans.
Titans wide receiver Calvin Ridley is on injured reserve and not eligible to play.

Atlanta Falcons 26, Arizona Cardinals 19

Ronnie Harrison started at inside linebacker for the Falcons. Harrison made two tackles.
Falcons safety DeMarcco Hellams is on injured reserve and not eligible to play.
Dalvin Tomlinson started at nose tackle for the Cardinals. Tomlinson made three tackles.
Cardinals offensive tackle Jonah Williams is on injured reserve and not eligible to play.
Cardinals linebacker Mack Wilson (Carver-Montgomery) is on injured reserve and not eligible to play.

Jacksonville Jaguars 34, Denver Broncos 20

Broncos outside linebacker Que Robinson (Jackson-Olin) made two tackles on defense, recorded one tackle for loss, registered two quarterback hits, broke up one pass and had one tackle on special teams.
Broncos linebacker Drew Sanders is on injured reserve and not eligible to play.
Patrick Surtain II started at cornerback for the Broncos. Surtain made one tackle.

Pittsburgh Steelers 29, Detroit Lions 24

Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold is on injured reserve and not eligible to play.
Lions safety Brian Branch is on injured reserve and not eligible to play.
Jahmyr Gibbs started at running back for the Lions. Gibbs ran for 2 yards on seven carries – the fewest rushing yards in his career. He also caught 10 passes for 66 yards and one touchdown. Gibbs’ 4-yard reception from quarterback Jared Goff with 4:11 left to play gave the running back the NFL record for the most touchdowns in a player’s first three seasons. With his 48^th, Gibbs surpassed Barry Sanders’ record of 47.

JAHMYR GIBBS SETS AN NFL TOUCHDOWN RECORD

Jameson Williams started at wide receiver for the Lions. Williams had five receptions for 70 yards as he reached 1,000 receiving yards for the second season in a row.

JAMESON WILLIAMS REACHES RECEIVING MILESTONE

Houston Texans 23, Las Vegas Raiders 21

Will Anderson Jr. started at defensive end for the Texans. Anderson made two tackles and recorded one sack. Anderson has reached a career high with 11.5 sacks.
Texans linebacker Christian Harris made one tackle on special teams.
Henry To’oTo’o started at linebacker for the Texans. To’oTo’o made four tackles.

FOR MORE OF AL.COM’S COVERAGE OF THE NFL, GO TO OUR NFL PAGE

Week 16 started on Thursday night, when the Seattle Seahawks defeated the Los Angeles Rams 38-37 in overtime.

Week 16 continued on Saturday, when the Philadelphia Eagles defeated the Washington Commanders 29-18 and the Chicago Bears defeated the Green Bay Packers 22-16 in overtime.

Week 16 concludes on Monday, when the San Francisco 49ers and Indianapolis Colts square off at 7:15 p.m. CDT at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. ABC and ESPN will televise the game.

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Alabama

Circuit Judge Collins Pettaway, Jr. steps down after 13 years on the bench

Published

8 hours ago

March 1, 2026

Press Room

Circuit Judge Collins Pettaway, Jr. steps down after 13 years on the bench

SELMA, Ala. (WSFA) – After more than a decade serving Alabama’s fourth judicial circuit, Judge Collins Pettaway, Jr. is stepping away from full-time service, closing a chapter that spans nearly four decades in the legal profession.

Pettaway was elected to the bench in 2012 and served in several counties including Dallas, Wilcox, Perry, Hale and Bibb counties, the largest geographical circuit in the state.

Now, he says, it was simply time.

“I never wanted to serve in that capacity forever,” Pettaway said “And plus, I wanted to also make room for some younger, brighter minds to come forward.”

Before becoming a judge, Pettaway practiced law in Selma for nearly 30 years after being licensed in 1985. During that time, he handled cases that helped shape Alabama law; something he says he didn’t fully appreciate until colleagues reflected on his impact.

“I handled several cases which actually affected and changed the direction of the state of the law in our state,” he added. “And I didn’t realize I did all that.”

Friends and fellow legal professionals once presented him with research showing his involvement in Alabama Supreme Court cases that made significant changes in state law; a moment he describes as both surprising and humbling.

During his time on the bench, Pettaway says one of his priorities was maintaining professionalism and respect within the legal system.

He often referenced the Alabama State Bar’s Lawyer’s Creed — a pledge attorneys take promising to treat even their opponents with civility and understanding.

“In that creed, you are promising that you’re gonna treat even your opponents with civility and with kindness and understanding.”

Pettaway says he believes the legal profession — and society at large — must continue working toward a culture rooted in respect and service.

Although stepping away from full-time duties, Pettaway says he is not completely leaving the legal field. He has transitioned to retired active status and plans to assist with cases when needed, while also returning to private practice.

He says this new chapter is about balance.

After decades shaping courtrooms across five counties, Pettaway says he is focused on health, perspective and trusting the next generation to carry the bench forward.

Governor Kay Ivey has appointed former Assistant District Attorney Bryan Jones to serve the remainder of Pettaway’s six-year term.

Jones previously served as senior chief trial attorney under District Attorney Robert Turner Jr. and has also led the Fourth Judicial Circuit Drug Task Force.

The transition marks a new era for the Fourth Judicial Circuit, while closing a significant chapter in its recent history.

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Alabama

Detroit Lions meet with Alabama star OL at NFL combine

Published

21 hours ago

March 1, 2026

Press Room

Detroit Lions meet with Alabama star OL at NFL combine

As the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine nears its conclusion, the Detroit Lions continue to work to identify potential fits for the franchise.

The Lions own pick No. 17 in the first round of the 2026 NFL draft. Though Taylor Decker recently announced his return for the 2026 season, Detroit could still be thinking offensive line in the draft’s opening round.

If the Lions opt to fortify their offensive line, one name to watch for Detroit is Alabama offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor. A Lions scout pulled Proctor aside to talk at the East-West Shrine Bowl in January.

Now, Proctor confirmed to Crunch Time Sports that he met with the Lions at the NFL combine.

Proctor started 40 games across his Crimson Tide career, missing just the first two games of the 2024 season with injury.

The 6-foot-7, 366-pound lineman was Alabama’s highest-graded player last season with an overall offensive grade of 85.9, per Pro Football Focus. Proctor had a pass-blocking grade of 84.2, a run blocking grade of 81.1 and allowed just two sacks during the 2025 college football season.

For more Lions coverage, follow us on X, @TheLionsWire, and give our Facebook page a like. Follow Josh on X, @JoshOnLions

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Alabama

Alabama lawmakers react to U.S. early morning military strike on Iran

Published

1 day ago

February 28, 2026

Press Room

Alabama lawmakers react to U.S. early morning military strike on Iran

Alabama lawmakers are weighing in with their opinion after Donald Trump announced that the United States conducted a military strike on Iran overnight.

Alabama Governor Kay Ivey responded to a video from the White House X account announcing that we’ve taken military action.

“Strong leadership requires hard decisions,” Ivey posted to X. “This is exactly how we will achieve peace through strength. As @POTUS said, our Armed Forces WILL prevail. May God continue to bless the brave men and women in our military! And may God bless President Trump and our great country.”

Congressman Robert Aderholt said in his own statement that he stands with Trump’s decision. The statement released earlier today, Saturday, Feb. 8, encouraged Trump for taking military action.

“For five decades, Iran has openly called for ‘death to America,’” Aderholt wrote. “I remember clearly when they orchestrated the deaths of 241 U.S. Marines in Beirut in 1983. In the years since, the regime has continued pursuing nuclear capabilities that threaten the United States and our allies. I stand with President Trump has he leads these strikes. May God bless the members of our armed forces carrying out these operations”

In addition to being the Chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, Aderholt is also a member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense.

Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall echoed similar sentiment to Aderholt. He cites the same quote.

“For 47 years the vicious Iranian regime has chanted ‘death to America,’” Marshall wrote. “It’s time for swift and decisive action. May God bless the men and women of the Armed Forces. May God bless America.”

Senator Katie Boyd Britt says she echoes Trump’s message from earlier this morning.

“Iran is the world’s leading sponsor of terrorism,” Britt said on X. “For 47 years, this murderous regime has operated a terror network that has brought death and destruction to the world and slaughtered innocent Americans. Iran’s nuclear ambitions, ballistic missile capabilities, and funding of proxy terror groups pose a sustained and clear threat to our nation, to our military bases and citizens in the region, and to our allies. This is a defining moment of generational leadership from President Trump to achieve sustainable peace. We are praying for the safety of our men and women in uniform and I echo @POTUS’s message this morning: God bless and protect all of our heroes in harm’s way executing this mission.”

Coach and Senator Tommy Tubberville tweeted, “President Trump has shown time and time again, you NEVER threaten America. God bless our great troops, god bless President Trump, and God bless America.”

U.S. Representative for 1st Congressional District of Alabama Barry Moore responded in a Facebook post.

“May God bless our men and women in uniform,” Moore posted. “Please join me in praying for strength, wisdom, and safety for President Donald J. Trump and all of those keeping our nation safe.”

United States Congresswoman Terri Sewell representing Alabama’s 7th District offered one of the few dissenting opinions from local lawmakers and politicians. Although she acknowledges Iran’s history, Sewell expresses her concern for the lives of U.S. citizens now that peace talks have been abandoned.

“Iran has oppressed their people and supported terrorism in the region for decades,” Sewell said in an official statement. “This fact does not change the President’s obligation under the Constitution to work with Congress on military actions that put our troops in harm’s way and could drag our country into another prolonged war in the Middle East.”

Sewell goes on to say that she’ll work with Congress to arrange a vote on a war powers resolution.

“I am also calling on the Administration to immediately provide a briefing on this ongoing military action, including their justification for abandoning diplomatic talks, as as their strategy for avoiding an extended regional conflict that is not supported by the American people,” Sewell continued. “I am praying for all the service members in the region and their families.”

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