A big storyline ahead of a matchup between Alabama and LSU on Nov. 9 will be Alabama QB Tua Tagovailoa’s recovery from ankle surgery.

There’s no definite timetable for his return yet, but Alabama coach Nick Saban seems encouraged from the early signs.

On SEC Network’s “SEC Nation” on Saturday morning, Saban said Tagovailoa is doing even better than expected so far (via 247Sports):

“He’s absolutely doing even better than expected,” Saban told ESPN’s Tom Luginbill during an interview that aired on SEC Nation. “Didn’t have a lot of swelling this time around, so that sort of extenuates the ability to rehab. And he’s doing well.”

That’s encouraging, as the Tide need Tagovailoa healthy for that LSU showdown to keep pace with the Tigers’ high-powered offense.

Will he be close to 100% for that game? We’ll find out more as the next few days progress.