TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — According to University of Alabama coach Nick Saban, senior quarterback Blake Sims has had a good week despite dealing with an injured shoulder.

“Blake has done very well in practice, he hasn’t had any issues this week, so far in terms of being able to throw the ball,” Saban said during his turn on the weekly SEC coaches’ teleconference Wednesday morning. “We’re really pleased with the way he’s progressed and he’s been able to take all the reps he’s prescribed to take.”

Sims took a hard shot while trying to run for a first down against Florida on Sept. 20. He left the game, and was checked out in the Alabama locker room while junior Jacob Coker finished the series, but did return and completed more passes in the 42-21 victory.

Afterward, the injury was described as a bruised shoulder, similar to what AJ McCarron had last season, and coaches were cautious with him during the Crimson Tide’s bye.

On Monday Saban said: “Blake was able to throw the ball at the end of the week last week. We had him on kind of a pitch count. He feels a lot better now, so we feel like’s OK and will be ready to practice and be ready to go.”

Although reporters haven’t seen Sims really throw this week – their observation time has been limited to one period of individual drills during practices, roughly 5 minutes – his teammates have said he’s looked fine in workouts as No. 3 Alabama prepares to visit No. 11 Ole Miss on Saturday (3:30 p.m. ET, CBS).

“He’s getting better every day,” junior wide receiver Amari Cooper said.

Sims has started all four games this season and completed 71 of 97 attempts for 1,091 yards, with eight touchdowns and two interceptions. His 73.2 completion percentage is second in the nation and his 190.77 passing efficiency rating is fourth.