How Tua Tagovailoa progresses in practice this week is one of the most closely-watched developments leading up to the LSU-Alabama game.

“Tua is practicing and doing OK in practice,” coach Nick Saban said on the SEC media teleconference. “It’s still going to be a game-time decision as to whether he plays in the game or not.”

Most people believe he will play, but the question is how much less than 100 percent will he be three weeks after the right ankle sprain against Tennessee and subsequent “tightrope” surgery.

Because of that, it’s unclear how much backup QB Mac Jones, who beat Arkansas on Oct. 26 in Tagovailoa’s absence, will play as the backup or starter.

During Tuesday’s practice, Tagovailoa was a participant during positional drills, and they were reportedly more than just throwing, as Tagovailoa also moved around to drop back and throw.

Tagovailoa has averaged 11.2 yards per pass with 27 touchdowns and only two interceptions this season. Last year, he also averaged 11.2 yards per attempt with 43 touchdowns and six picks in 15 games.