Tua Tagovailoa Dealing with 'Soreness,' Considered Game-Time Decision Again

Alabama quarterback has yet to practice this week following LSU loss

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Even though Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa played last week, he's still considered a game-time decision for Mississippi State on Saturday. 

"He's got soreness in his ankle from playing the game," Nick Saban said during the SEC coaches' teleconference on Wednesday. "Just like with a lot of players this time of year you have to manage his practice, you have to manage his reps. 

"Just like last week, it'll probably be a game-time decision as to whether he can or can't play. I don't even know for sure if he'll be able to practice fully today."

Tagovailoa was in uniform for Tuesday's practice but was standing next to the other quarterbacks when they went through individual drills during the media viewing period. He didn't even touch a ball in front of the cameras. 

"We expect him to be able to do do some things today," Saban added. "We'll just have to wait and see. It's kind of day-to-day."

Tagovailoa had surgery on Oct. 20 to help his high-ankle sprain heal faster. 

He threw for 418 yards on 40 attempts against LSU, but also had a pair of turnovers. 

The junior has completed 74.7 percent of his passes for 2,584 yards and 31 touchdowns this season, with three interceptions. 

He's averaging a touchdown pass every 7.5 attempts or 13.2 percent of his total attempts (234). 

For his career, Tagovailoa has 7,186 passing yards in 32 career games.

Saban is scheduled to meet with reporters following Wednesday's practice. The Crimson Tide game in Starkville is set for an 11 a.m. kickoff (ESPN).