Alabama football coach Nick Saban provided a trio of injury updates on Wednesday night, days before the Crimson Tide is set to host Tennessee.

Starters Malachi Moore (defensive back) and CJ Dippre (tight end) have both practiced, Saban said when asked by a reporter. He didn’t confirm either player’s availability for the 2:30 p.m. kickoff but sounded optimistic.

“I think if they continue to progress like they have, they have a good chance to play. But nobody can predict that right now,” Saban said.

Moore, a senior, couldn’t finish Alabama’s win over Texas A&M on Oct. 7. He went down after a tackle and was eventually carted from the sidelines and into the locker room with a high ankle sprain. He suited up for warmups last Saturday against Arkansas but remained on the sidelines for UA’s 24-21 win. Moore is tied for seventh among UA defenders with 29 tackles. He’s also one of six Tide players with an interception.

Dippre was ruled of out Alabana’s Week 7 game with a lower-body injury after leaving early. He was spotted with a wrap around his thigh in the practice videos issued by team media this week. A transfer from Maryland, Dippre has caught five passes for 104 yards.

Another player, offensive lineman Terrence Ferguson, may be nearing his return. The redshirt sophomore has appeared in three games this season before being sidelined by his own ankle sprain. He’s been spotted in uniform but has yet to appear in a game since exiting the Ole Miss contest early on Sept. 23.

“He’s doing better,” Saban said of Ferguson. “He’s practicing every week. i think he’s getting better every week. I think he’s closer to 100% this week than he has been. Those high ankle sprains are not easy to sort of get over. it takes a little while to develop the ability to push off and have explosive power which is hard to play on the offensive line if you don’t have that. he’s worked his tail off to get where he is … i think he’s getting pretty close to getting him to where we need him to be.”

Ferguson would offer Alabama another piece to solve its offensive line woes. Jaeden Roberts has replaced Darrian Dalcourt at right guard the last two weeks.

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