Derrion Reid injury update: Nate Oats provides update on Alabama freshman's status

In Alabama‘s 94-85 loss to Auburn on Saturday, Crimson Tide freshman Derrion Reid took the court for the first time in two weeks. Reid had been battling a hamstring injury. On Tuesday, Alabama head coach Nate Oats revealed that Reid re-aggravated the injury against Auburn.

“So Derrion had the hamstring deal, and it’s one of those things where you don’t want to bring him back too early,” Oats said. “We thought we rested him long enough, but it kind of flared up again after (Auburn). He played limited minutes against Auburn, but he’s been our of practice.

“We’re checking, he’s getting a second MRI, actually the third one in the last few weeks. I think he’ll be listed as doubtful (against Missouri) based on not practicing yesterday and today. Hopefully the MRI shows up clean, maybe all the swelling or the inflammation, whatever it is, hopefully he can go.”

Reid played five minutes against the Tigers. He finished the game with four points, all of which came at the free-throw line. Reid has missed time due to his hamstring injury twice this season.

He also missed time recovering from the injury between Jan. 11 and Jan. 29. Reid is averaging 7.1 points and 3.8 rebounds per game this season while shooting 43.6% from the field. Alabama fans had high expectations for Reid entering the 2024-25 campaign.

He was a No. 16 overall player and No. 6 small forward in the 2024 recruiting cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

Although Reid hasn’t been able to find a rhythm this season before suffering another setback, Nate Oats is confident the 6-foot-8 forward has a bright future.

“Derrion’s one of our best positional size, athletic defenders. And he’s done very good jobs on different guys when he’s been healthy,” Oats said. “It would be great to have him. … It’s hard not getting the reps, and he’s missed maybe 35, 36 percent of our practice reps this year.

“I think he’s going to be a pro. He came in as a McDonald’s All-American, he’s got all the intangibles as far as tough, great attitude, high IQ, he’s athletic. A lot of the stuff the pros are looking for. We really don’t want to hurt his long-term career by rushing something to win a game or two. We’re trying to do what’s right by him.”

Derrion Reid will only have one more day to recover before Alabama faces off against Missouri on Wednesday at 9 p.m. ET. The game will air live on the SEC Network.