A pair of injured Alabama defensive linemen will return to practice this week.

DJ Dale and Jaheim Oatis, who both missed Alabama’s win over Mississippi State before the open week, could play Saturday against LSU.

“We’ll kind of determine how they do during the course of the week and what their availability will be when the game comes,” Nick Saban said Monday.

Dale, a senior, and Oatis, a freshman, opened the season as co-starters at nose guard. With Justin Eboigbe (neck) out for the season, Alabama’s depth along the defensive line would be tested if Dale or Oatis cannot play against LSU.

Byron Young and Tim Smith anchored what was mostly a two-man Alabama defensive line against a Mississippi State offense that spread the field. Redshirt freshman Damon Payne also saw extensive playing time.

Mike Rodak is an Alabama beat reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @mikerodak.