Report: Malachi Moore expected to play vs. Texas, Jaylen Key TBD

Alabama fans just received positive news. On Friday, ESPN’s Chris Low provided an update on Alabama’s defensive back Malachi Moore and safety Jalen Key‘s status ahead of Saturday’s matchup against Texas.

“Some good news for [Alabama football’s] defense,” Low wrote on Twitter. “Sources tell ESPN that senior DB/star Malachi Moore is expected to play Saturday against Texas after being injured last week in the opener. Still TBD on safety Jaylen Key.”

Both players left Alabama’s 56-7 season-opening win over Middle Tennessee State with undisclosed injuries. After the game, Alabama head coach Nick Saban was uncertain of the status of the two pivotal pieces.

“We got a couple guys banged up,” Saban said Saturday night. “I don’t know the extent of their injuries – Jaylen Key and Malachi Moore both. But we’ll see how that goes. They’ll get evaluated tomorrow and probably know more soon.”

The 71-year-old head coach continued to provide updates on his defensive backs throughout the week.

“They’re able to practice. Just how much they’re able to practice and how close to 100% they can get by game time will be the big question that we’ll have to answer. And that probably is not something that we can comment on until we get to that point,” Saban said on Monday.

Alabama has reached that point. While Key’s status is still uncertain, the team will field Moore. The Crimson Tide will take on No. 11 Texas at 7 p.m. ET on Saturday.

This story will be updated.

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