Before this season, the Southeastern Conference (SEC) introduced a mandatory injury reporting policy for football, basketball, and baseball, applying only to conference games.
As No. 7 Alabama prepares to host No. 5 Florida for its 17th SEC matchup of the season on Wednesday at 6 p.m. CT (airing on ESPN2), the latest injury report has drawn attention particularly regarding a key player.
How the SEC Injury Report Works
Initially, players are categorized as “probable,” “questionable,” “doubtful,” or “out.” Then, on game day, their status is updated to either “available,” “game-time decision,” or “out.” This report will continue to be updated leading up to tipoff.
Alabama’s Initial Injury Report (March 4)
- Latrell Wrightsell Jr. – Out
- Houston Mallette – Out
- Derrion Reid – Out
- Grant Nelson – Questionable
Florida’s Initial Injury Report (March 4)
- No players listed
Grant Nelson’s Surprise Appearance on the Injury Report
One of the biggest surprises from the report was the inclusion of forward Grant Nelson as “questionable.” Alabama head coach Nate Oats had not mentioned any concerns regarding Nelson’s health during his Tuesday press conference.
Adding to the confusion, Oats had stated that all seniors, including Nelson, were expected to play on Wednesday for Senior Night marking the final home game for five Crimson Tide players at Coleman Coliseum.
Updates on Other Alabama Injuries
Derrion Reid, who missed multiple games due to a hamstring injury, made a brief return against Auburn, logging just four minutes. He also sat out against Missouri, Kentucky, Mississippi State, and Tennessee. Despite recently resuming basketball workouts, Oats confirmed Reid remains week-to-week and won’t play against Florida.
Meanwhile, Houston Mallette and Latrell Wrightsell Jr. are both expected to receive medical redshirts due to their long-term injuries. Mallette has been out since the Texas A&M game with lingering knee issues, while Wrightsell suffered a season-ending Achilles rupture against Oregon. Since neither player has appeared in more than 30% of games or played past the season’s midway point, both qualify for redshirt eligibility.
“I don’t think you get confirmation until after the season,” Oats explained, “but they’re both medically-related and meet the criteria.”
With Alabama aiming for a key SEC win, all eyes will be on Nelson’s status as tipoff approaches.
