Alabama football knows it will be without one veteran defensive back (DeVonta Smith, foot) this Saturday against Texas. But what about two others?

Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban delivered an injury update on safeties Malachi Moore and Jaylen Key during his weekly appearance on the SEC teleconference.

“They’re able to practice. Just how much they’re able to practice and how close to 100% they can get by game time will be the big question that we’ll have to answer,” Saban said. “That’s probably not something we can comment on til we get to that point.”

Moore and Key were “banged up” in No. 3 Alabama’s 56-7 Week 1 win over Middle Tennessee State. Key exited the field in the second quarter and Moore left after a punt return in the third. On Monday, Saban said he didn’t think “either guy has long-term issues.”

Their availability will be a major storyline in the Tide’s matchup against No. 11 Texas in Bryant-Denny Stadium. Quarterback Quinn Ewers and wide receiver Xavier Worthy found success against Alabama’s defense in Austin a year ago.

Jihaad Campbell should play

Sophomore linebacker Jihaad Campbell, who was “doubtful” against MTSU and warmed up with the team, has continued to practice and will be available against the Longhorns barring any “setbacks.” Saban revealed on “Hey Coach” last Thursday that Campbell had gotten his knee scooped the week of Aug. 22.

“He’s been able to practice and he’s doing fairly well. So we’re encouraged by the progress he’s made and he should be OK to play in the game,” Saban said.

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Alabama-Texas offers a ‘barometer’ for the Tide season. So did the 2022 game.

Nick Alvarez is a reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @nick_a_alvarez or email him at [email protected].