Alabama escaped Columbia with a 27-24 win over Missouri, its third straight over a ranked SEC opponent - and its fifth straight overall since a season opening loss to Florida State - but it came at a price.
An already banged-up Crimson Tide team got even more banged up on Saturday. WR Derek Meadows - thrust into early action due to injuries to Jalen Hale, Jaylen Mbakwe, and a clearly hobbled Ryan Williams - was knocked from the game in the first quarter on a clear targeting by a Missouri defensive back.
In the fourth quarter, starting RB Jam Miller took a big shot near the sideline on a key 4th-and-1 conversion. Neither player returned.
After the game, Kalen DeBoer confirmed that both players had confirmed concussions:
Kalen DeBoer said Jam Miller has a concussion. Derek Meadows also has a concussion
— Nick Kelly (@_NickKelly) October 11, 2025
Jam Miller, Derek Meadows injuries the latest in a long line of them for Alabama
The injuries continue to pile up for Alabama. Alabama has dealt with key injuries all year long and will now deal with more.
Miller already missed the first three games of the season with a dislocated collarbone. He played well against the Tigers. He's been Alabama's clear-cut No. 1 RB. He turned 24 touches into 110 yards on Saturday.
If Miller misses time again, Alabama will turn to redshirt freshman RB Kevin Riley again. He's served as Miller's backup in all three games since he returned. Redshirt freshman Daniel Hill is starting to work his way back into the rotation now, too, and would have an expanded role with Miller out. Hill ran for 16 yards on six carries and caught a touchdown pass in the Tide's win.
Meadows hasn't seen much playing time this year, but Alabama could ill-afford to lose another WR. Only seven receivers traveled with the team to Columbia, with both Jalen Hale and Jaylen Mbakwe out with undisclosed injuries.
Ryan Williams was listed on the injury report all week, but he played. He only saw one target and didn't record a stat, which obviously hindered the Tide's offense. Alabama will need Williams to get healthy moving forward.
There's no rest for the weary moving forward. Alabama will face a fourth straight ranked opponent next week at home against Tennessee. They'll get a "break" the week after that on the road against unranked - but capable - South Carolina. That will lead into the bye week, which is sorely needed right now with a banged-up group looking to continue its forward momentum.