Two of Alabama football’s starters on defense are inching closer to return with Auburn on the schedule for Saturday. According to head coach Nick Saban, Jaylen Key and Deontae Lawson have both returned to the field.

“They both practiced quite a bit this week,” Saban said Wednesday. “Just see how they continue to progress.”

Key and Lawson were both out of Saturday’s matchup against Chattanooga, as well as UA’s win over Kentucky. They each sustained injuries against LSU.

Lawson, a starting inside linebacker for the Crimson Tide, suffered an ankle injury against the Tigers. He was not in uniform for Saturday’s win over the Mocs.

Key, Alabama’s starting safety, was dressed out before the game, but did not fully participate in warmups or appear in the actual contest. He injured his thigh breaking up a pass in the LSU game.

Alabama and Auburn are scheduled to kick off at 2:30 p.m. Saturday at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn. The game will be aired on CBS.