Alabama football is unsure about the status of Deontae Lawson and Jaylen Key for this week’s game against Kentucky. Head coach Nick Saban said Monday both players are be deemed “questionable” when asked about their availability.

The Crimson Tide beat LSU in a 42-28 slugfest on Saturday night, getting one game away from booking an SEC championship game berth. The defense, despite losing two starters, held the Tigers’ No. 1 offense to just one touchdown in the second half.

“It’s not just a matter of whether they’re going to ready to play in the game, but can they practice enough to be ready to play in the game,” Saban said. ” … Both guys, I would say, are questionable. I don’t know what they’re going to be able to do day-to-day.”

Key suffered a quad injury in the first quarter and didn’t return to the game. The defensive back grabbed his leg after breaking up a pass in the first quarter. Lawson limped to the locker room after trying to tackle LSU’s Jayden Daniels near the sideline. He was seen wearing a walking boot postgam.

Alabama (8-1, 6-0) has managed injuries well during its seven-game winning streak. Lawson and fellow starting linebacker Trezmen Marshall had missed games with underclassman Jihaad Campbell growing into a bigger role. When Key exited, Alabama put in cornerback Trey Amos. It eventually moved star cornerback Malachi Moore to the safety and slid Terrion Arnold inside.

Another defensive back expected to contribute this year, DeVonta Smith, has yet to appear in a game after a preseason foot injury. Saban said Smith is up to “80%” and has been running on dry-land. Saban deemed the junior “day-to-day” as well. Wide receiver and special teams contributor Ja’Corey Brooks had his arm in a sling. Saban said that’s been a limiting factor for Brooks, who recorded three catches and a blocked punt this year.

“When (Brooks) gone in the game he’s done a really good job of doing what he needs to do,” Saban said. “He got his shoulder banged up which has been a little bit of an issue for him all year in the game so we’ll see how it goes this week as well.”

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