Alabama head coach Nick Saban provided the latest updates on injured Crimson Tide players DeVonta Smith (hamstring) and Jalen Hurts (ankle) during his Thursday night radio show.

“Smitty’s practiced,” Saban said, “and I’m hopeful that he’ll be very close to 100 percent by game time.”

Smith was limited all week in practice leading up to the Tennessee game in Week 8 and in the first two days of Alabama’s bye week last week. But he did some light work Thursday, the day before players dispersed for the open week. During the Tide’s preparation for the Tigers, Smith has done more on the field but has still appeared limited during contact drills for receivers.

The sophomore has caught 21 passes for 409 yards and three touchdowns. Smith is one of four receivers with at least 21 receptions, 400 receiving yards and three receiving scores this fall.

Quarterback Jalen Hurts is the other player Saban provided with an update on Thursday. The junior suffered a high ankle sprain that required a “minor procedure” during his 21-yard run in the third quarter at Tennessee. The procedure kept him off the field in the open week, but Hurts was back out there on Monday and, while he hasn’t been mobile, started throwing again.

Former left tackle Cam Robinson underwent a similar procedure after the Tennessee game in 2014 and was able to suit up and start two weeks later when the Crimson Tide played LSU.

“Jalen was able to practice a little bit today, but he’s limited a little bit still,” Saban said when asked about injuries. “But he’s getting well very rapidly now. He’s kind of turned the corner a little bit.”

Saban said much of the same about Hurts on Wednesday afternoon: “I think Jalen’s starting to turn the corner, so he’s starting to be able to move around and do some things. So, it’s going to be a total confidence thing with him, and hopefully, he’ll get out on the field today and be able to do a few things and then we’ll just kind of go from there.”

In the Tennessee game, Hurts threw three passes, completing two for 21 yards and throwing an interception on a tipped pass that resulted in a pick-six for the Vols. He also rushed for 23 yards and the touchdown on two carries to help secure UA’s 12th straight win over the Vols.

On the season, Hurts has thrown for 589 yards, five touchdowns and two interceptions as the Crimson Tide’s backup quarterback. He has completed 73.6 percent (39-of-53) of his passes.

Alabama will face LSU in Baton Rouge, La., on Saturday, Nov. 3, for a 7 p.m. kickoff on CBS.

Contact Charlie Potter by 247Sports' personal messaging or on Twitter (@Charlie_Potter).

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