Besides Justin Fields’ status, the biggest health story leading into the national championship is Alabama WR Jaylen Waddle’s availability.

It’s been a daily question for players and coaches and Alabama coach Nick Saban offered his thoughts on Thursday as Waddle tries to return for the first time since he suffered a broken ankle on a kickoff return against Tennessee on Oct. 24.

“I don’t have any crystal ball to know (about Waddle),” Saban said. “The issue with injuries, when a guy does practice, how does he respond to the workload? You keep trying to build up his workload to where he can play but it’s a work in progress. He has been able to practice some. His status for the game is relatively up in the air and will probably be a game-day decision.”

Earlier in the week, Alabama QB Mac Jones was asked about Waddle practicing and said, “he actually looked really good, but I don’t know if I can answer that question properly because you’ve got to ask Coach Saban and the training staff. But he’s worked really hard in his rehab, and we’ll see what happens.”

Added fellow star WR DeVonta Smith, “It’s amazing just to see him recover. I’m glad that he’s recovering well and that everything is just going as planned.”

H/T Cecil Hurt and Charlie Potter.