Report: Injured Alabama Defensive Back Expected to Play Against Texas

The Crimson Tide secondary may be close to having everyone available for ist showdown with the Longhorns.

Alabama defensive back Malachi Moore, who left last week's season opener with an injury, is expected to play Saturday against Texas, according to a report Friday night.

The safety appeared to injure his ankle against Middle Tennessee State and did not return. Safety Jaylen Key, who had an interception in his Crimson Tide debut, also had a physical setback in the 56-7 victory.

"They're both day-to-day," Saban said on Monday. "So it's probably too early to tell what their circumstance will be. [It will] probably be a couple of days until we figure it out. But, I don't think either guy has long-term issues. But, it will be interesting to see how they progress this week."

Moore was banged up on a punt return early in the third quarter. He was back practicing by Wednesday, which is usually the cutoff point for having a player available for a game. 

Saban said on his radio show Thursday night that Key was also practicing, and he was encouraged with the progress of both players. Key, however, remains a game-day decision. The specific nature of the injuries has not been disclosed. 

Chris Low of ESPN reported the update. Alabama set to host Texas at Bryant-Denny Stadium. ESPN will show the game, with kickoff slated for 6 p.m. CT. 

The No. 11 Longhorns, of course, are led by head coach Steve Sarkisian, who was the Crimson Tide's offensive coordinator from 2019-2020. He also served as an analyst under Saban during the 2016 season. Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers was 9-for-12 with 134 yards against Alabama in last year's game before suffering an injury late in the first quarter.

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