Concussion Scare: Alabama’s Derek Meadows Injured Against Missouri

In a tense moment during the No. 8 Alabama vs. No. 14 Missouri game, Alabama receiver Derek Meadows sustained a frightening injury that left fans and teammates on edge. The incident occurred in the first quarter of the matchup at Faurot Field on October 11, 2025, as Alabama secured a narrow 27-24 victory.

The Incident: A Vicious Hit

The play unfolded when Crimson Tide quarterback Ty Simpson targeted Meadows near the right sideline. However, Meadows found himself at the mercy of a brutal hit from Missouri safety Marvin Burks Jr.. He was knocked to the ground, remaining motionless as trainers rushed to his aid.

Key Details of the Play:

• Time of Incident: Near the end of the first quarter.
• Hit: Laid out by safety Marvin Burks Jr.
• Immediate Aftermath: Meadows was unable to hold onto the ball and fell to the ground.

Targeting Call and Ejection

Following the hit, Burks celebrated his play momentarily before realizing he was flagged for targeting. The severity of the hit led to his immediate ejection from the game.

Safety Protocols in Action

Alabama’s trainer Jeff Allen swiftly stepped in, stabilizing Meadows’ neck and checking his mobility. Reports by ESPN’s sideline reporter Katie George confirmed that Meadows retained sensation in both his hands and legs, a vital sign of his physical status after the impact.

• Duration on the Field: It took several minutes for trainers to sit Meadows up, with further time required for him to leave the field.
• Exiting the Field: Meadows walked off under his own power but did not return to the game.

Recovery and Aftermath

Though he did make a return to the sidelines in street clothes, it was confirmed by Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer that Meadows suffered a concussion during the incident.

Summary of Recovery:

• Condition Post-Incident: Concussion.
• Return to Sidelines: Yes, in street clothes.

Historical Context

This matchup marked a significant moment, being the first time the teams faced off in Columbia, Missouri, since 1979. The atmosphere was electric as Alabama took on a formidable opponent in Missouri.

Derek Meadows’ Season Performance

Despite the alarming incident, it’s noteworthy that Meadows, a freshman from Las Vegas, had yet to catch a pass this season. His potential remains high, and fans will be looking forward to his contributions in future games.

Conclusion

The incident involving Derek Meadows serves as a reminder of the physical risks associated with college football. As protocols for player safety continue to evolve, the priority remains on the health and well-being of athletes like Meadows.

For continuous updates on player wellbeing and college football news, stay tuned to trusted sports outlets and injury report platforms.