Nick Saban says Deontae Lawson, Jaylen Key still 'day to day'

As Alabama vs. Kentucky gets closer, the Crimson Tide continue to deal with injuries. Nick Saban considered both Deontae Lawson and Jaylen Key “day to day” and didn’t have an update earlier this week, and he echoed that sentiment on Wednesday.

Lawson was seen in a walking boot during Saturday night’s victory over LSU while Key reportedly suffered a quad injury. Saban said neither player has practiced this week, which makes Thursday important for their status on Saturday against Kentucky.

“They haven’t been able to practice yet,” Saban told reporters. “But it’s still kind of day to day. If guys can’t practice on Thursday, it’s probably pretty tough for them to practice in the game. Maybe we’ll know more tomorrow.”

Both Key and Lawson have been critical pieces of the Alabama defense this year. Key entered Saturday’s game ranked third on the Crimson Tide with 45 tackles and adding an interception on the season. Prior to his departure against LSU, he had a tackle and a pass break-up.

As for Lawson, he ranks second on the team with 52 tackles along with two sacks for Alabama this season.

Saturday’s victory was a big one for Alabama, which remains undefeated in conference play and atop the SEC West standings. Jalen Milroe had a big day as he totaled 374 yards — 219 in the air and 155 on the ground — four rushing touchdowns to lead the effort.

Nick Saban on Alabama’s turnaround: ‘The credit goes to the coaching staff and the players’

Alabama has rattled off an impressive run since losing to Texas in Week 2. The Crimson Tide have won seven consecutive games to improve to 8-1 on the season and check in at No. 8 in the second College Football Playoff rankings of the year.

It’s been an interesting year for Saban and Co., but he didn’t take any credit for the turnaround. Instead, he gave that to his staff.

“I think the credit goes to the coaching staff and the players,” Saban said. “This group of guys have shown tremendous resiliency to keep working to improve. I think they trust the coaches.”

Alabama is in prime position for an SEC Championship appearance with two conference games remaining. Kentucky awaits this week and, after a non-conference break against Chattanooga, the Iron Bowl against Auburn will close out the year.

The Crimson Tide enter Week 11 one game ahead of Ole Miss in the SEC West standings.