TUSCALOOSA, Ala. _ According to University of Alabama coach Nick Saban, sophomore cornerback Eddie Jackson has progressed enough in his recovery from knee surgery to play during the home opener against Florida Atlantic on Saturday.

Jackson, who started four games last season, had surgery in April.

“He has practiced and he has done well,” said Saban, during the weekly Southeastern Conference teleconference with reporters on Wednesday morning. “I feel like we’ll play him some in this game, some kind of way, trying to ease him back into what he has to do to become a player at his position, which I think he’s totally capable of and a very good player that we’re anxious to get back in the lineup, but certainly not at the expense of putting him in any risk.

“From a medical standpoint, he’s been cleared. So now we’re sort of working him into it and he’s looked pretty good.”

Jackson was spotted working with the first unit during Tuesday’s practice, paired with junior Cyrus Jones. The Crimson Tide will also be getting back senior interior linebacker Trey DePriest, who had to serve a one-game suspension for what Saban previously called a “minor” NCAA violation.

“Yeah, he’s back on the team,” Saban said. “He wasn’t suspended by me, so he made a mistake, he paid for it and he’s available to play. And we’re looking forward to him having the opportunity to play and hopefully affect our team in a positive way as well as him performing like he’s capable of.”

DePriest has played in 40 games, with 26 starts. Last season he had 65 tackles, 7½ for a loss, two sacks, two fumble recoveries and one interception.