Alabama's Labaron Philon, Taylor Bol Bowen injury status updated ahead of Auburn game

Nate Oats provides updates on the availability of two key Alabama players for Saturday's rivalry matchup.

Feb. 6, 2026 at 2:55pm

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Alabama head coach Nate Oats has shared injury updates on star guard Labaron Philon Jr. and forward Taylor Bol Bowen ahead of the Crimson Tide's upcoming game against rival Auburn. Philon is dealing with a thigh bruise and was unable to practice on Friday, while Bol Bowen is expected to be ready to play on Saturday after practicing.

Why it matters

Philon and Bol Bowen are crucial players for Alabama, and their availability will be a major factor in the Tide's chances of winning the heated rivalry game against Auburn. Injuries have been an ongoing issue for Alabama this season, so their health status is closely watched.

The details

Nate Oats reported that Labaron Philon Jr., Alabama's leading scorer averaging 21.4 points per game, was unable to practice on Friday due to a thigh bruise suffered in the previous game against Texas A&M. Oats said Philon is still trying to recover from the injury. As for Taylor Bol Bowen, Oats stated that the forward practiced on Friday and 'was moving pretty well', indicating he should be ready to play on Saturday.

  • Oats provided the injury updates on Friday, February 6, 2026.
  • Alabama is set to face Auburn on Saturday, February 7, 2026.

The players

Nate Oats

The head coach of the Alabama men's basketball team.

Labaron Philon Jr.

Alabama's star guard who is currently averaging 21.4 points per game this season.

Taylor Bol Bowen

An Alabama forward who has also been dealing with injuries this season.

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What they’re saying

“Labaron's still trying to recover from that thigh bruise he had at the end of the first half last game, so he wasn't able to practice today.”

— Nate Oats, Head Coach

“Taylor practiced today. I thought he was moving pretty well.”

— Nate Oats, Head Coach

What’s next

Alabama will face off against rival Auburn on Saturday, February 7, 2026 at 3 p.m. CT on ESPN2. The availability of Labaron Philon Jr. and Taylor Bol Bowen will be a key factor in determining the Tide's chances of winning the heated rivalry matchup.

The takeaway

Injuries have been an ongoing issue for Alabama this season, and the health status of key players like Labaron Philon Jr. and Taylor Bol Bowen will be crucial as the Crimson Tide prepare to take on their in-state rival Auburn. Nate Oats' updates provide insight into the team's injury situation ahead of this important SEC clash.