The Latest on Alabama Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa

Nick Saban provides an update during his press conference Monday

T.G. Paschal/BamaCentral

University of Alabama coach Nick Saban gave on update on junior quarterback Tua Tagovailoa's progress two weeks after having surgery to help his high ankle sprain heal. 

“If he can play in the game, it will be a game-time decision,” Saban said during his regular Monday press conference.

Alabama is poised to face LSU in a potential No. 1 vs. No. 2 showdown at Bryant-Denny Stadium on Saturday. 

LSU coach Ed Orgeron said during the SEC coaches' teleconference with reporters that the Tigers were preparing to face the 2018 Heisman Trophy runner-up. 

Saban has been much more cautious with his projections. 

"He did practice two days last week," the coach said. "We’ll see where he’s at today and then we’ll manage the reps accordingly. When I say that, we cannot predict ... If he goes out there today and he looks good, then his rep count is going to go up and we’ll prepare him as if he’s going to have an opportunity to play in the game. If he has a setback during the week, you can’t really control that, but that would change the plan. 

"The way we practice on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, both quarterbacks are going to get pretty much the same reps, and that’s probably how we’ll manage it this week in terms of their preparation."

Tagovailoa suffered a high-ankle sprain during the second quarter of Alabama’s 35-13 victory over Tennessee on Oct. 19. He was replaced by redshirt sophomore Mac Jones, who subsequently led the 48-7 victory over Arkansas.

Tagovailoa had surgery the next day, Oct. 20. 

The “tightrope” procedure designed to accelerate recovery and promote long-term stability in the ankle.

Going into the Tennessee game, Tagovailoa was considered by oddsmakers to be the favorite for the Heisman Trophy. He’s completed 74.7 percent of his passes for 2,166 yards and 27 touchdowns, with two interceptions this season. 

Tagovailoa returned to practice last Wednesday, but was limited. The team was off Friday as both Alabama and LSU had a bye.

"He looked good. He looked comfortable," junior wide receiver Jerry Jeudy said about how Tagovailoa looked in practice.

This story will be updated