Alabama returned to the field on a dreary Friday afternoon in Tuscaloosa as the team started its preparations for its College Football Playoff semifinal round game against Oklahoma on Dec. 29.

The team was in shorts and shells as it worked inside the Hank Crisp Indoor Facility.

Here are some observations gleaned from the limited access period provided to the media:

— Less than two weeks removed from surgery on the high left-ankle sprain he suffered in the SEC Championship game against Georgia, Tua Tagovailoa appeared to be moving around well as he went through drills. Tagovailoa, whose lower left leg was wrapped, was spotted consulting with head athletic trainer Jeff Allen before throwing the ball with Jalen Hurts and practicing his dropbacks. Tagovailoa was noticeably more mobile than Hurts was in the aftermath of his own ankle injury that he suffered back in October. Tagovailoa’s family, including brother Taulia and father Galu, were present.

— As expected, newly-installed Maryland coach Mike Locksley was at practice. Locksley, who will continue to serve as Alabama’s offensive coordinator through the remainder of the season, was seen near the quarterbacks.

— Outside linebacker Terrell Lewis was spotted going through individual drills. Lewis, who underwent surgery to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee in July, looked agile. Lewis returned to practice Nov. 26.

— Before the team took the field, Chris Allen was spotted in a full practice gear. The sophomore outside linebacker suffered a serious knee injury back in August and hasn’t played all season.

— Left guard Deonte Brown, who has been battling turf toe and missed part of the SEC championship game after being hurt, was seen practicing.

Rainer Sabin is an Alabama beat writer for the Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @RainerSabin