Injured defensive backs Malachi Moore and Jaylen Key “have a chance to play” on Saturday night vs. Texas, Alabama coach Nick Saban said Saturday morning.

During an appearance on “SEC Nation” on the SEC Network, Saban said that neither Moore nor Key practiced until Thursday this week. Key left the game during the second quarter of last week’s 56-7 win over Middle Tennessee, while Moore was injured during the third quarter.

RELATED: Saban says Alabama played ‘too emotional’ in big games in 2022

Saban said the absence of Key and Moore affected the No. 3 Crimson Tide’s preparation for the 11th-ranked Longhorns, coached by former Alabama offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian.

“I think what might have changed a little bit was the fact that those guys were questionable for this game and they didn’t practice until Thursday,” Saban said. “So what you were able to do was affected a little bit. I do think both of them have a chance to play in the game, Malachi especially. He’s practiced a little bit more, and I think Jaylen will be a game-time decision. But those guys offer us a little more stability in the back end and ability to adjust all the things that you’re talking about because they (Texas) do a really good job. Sark’s also been really good at that – window dressing, run the same plays, comes in a different way. I mean, it’s the old San Francisco 49ers stuff, so I get it.”

Moore, a senior from Trussville, started at the Star (nickel) safety position against Middle Tennessee. A preseason All-SEC pick, he totaled two tackles prior to his injury last Saturday.

Key, a UAB transfer, started at free safety vs. Middle Tennessee. He totaled four tackles and also intercepted a pass before he was injured.

Sophomore Earl Little is listed as Moore’s backup at Star. He totaled two tackles last week.

Senior Kristian Story would likely be next man up if Key can’t go. He had three stops vs. Middle Tennessee.

Saban said earlier this week that sophomore linebacker Jihaad Campbell, who sat out the Middle Tennessee while recovering from August knee surgery, “should be OK to play” vs. Texas.

Kickoff for Alabama vs. Texas is set for 6 p.m. at Bryant-Denny Stadium, with TV coverage on ESPN.