He was at an event for the Monday Morning Quarterback in Birmingham, Ala., but reporters wanted answers about Tua Tagovailoa. Alabama head coach, Nick Saban told the media that Tagovailoa was doing well on the antigravity treadmill and the team expects him to practice during the middle portion of its bye week.
The junior quarterback didn’t play versus Arkansas.
He sustained a twisted ankle against Tennessee and underwent tightrope surgery.
RELATED: Alabama’s Mac Jones one of six players of the week, following win over Arkansas
The native Hawaiian is ahead of schedule, in terms of being out of his walking boot, and he assured his teammates that would be available to play against LSU. According to Saban, Alabama should get its first look of Tagovailoa back in action on Wednesday.
“He’s been on the UltraG now and progressing well on that, which is usually the protocol for how we bring players back that have lower extremity injuries,” Saban said.
When it comes to giving his thoughts on Tagovailoa’s chances of playing versus the Tigers, Saban holds everything close to the vest.
“We cannot make any predictions,” he said.
“I do not have a crystal ball. I don’t know how he is going to perform on Wednesday. If he can perform to the best of his ability, and we are not going to put him in a situation where he can’t perform… and if he can perform, he will play. If he can’t perform, then he won’t play.”
We may have our answer in two days on Tagovailoa, but the Crimson Tide may want to keep Mac Jones on standby. The redshirt sophomore was one of six players of the week – following the victory over Arkansas – as he tossed for 235 passing yards with three touchdowns.
Should he start on Nov. 9, Tagovailoa will have an opportunity to prove once and for all that he is the best signal caller in college football.
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Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
