Even though he’s not playing in the Iron Bowl, Alabama QB Tua Tagovailoa made it to Auburn to support his Crimson Tide teammates.

Tagovailoa, sporting crutches, spoke to CBS sideline reporter Jamie Erdahl. The junior quarterback had a positive update on his post-surgery recovery, saying he feels much better than he did just a week ago.

“I can’t stress enough how appreciative me and my family are for the love and support we’ve been getting from the fans and people worldwide,” Tagovailoa told Erdahl.

He also thanked his doctors, saying “they’ve done a tremendous job.” Tagovailoa said the doctors haven’t told him much beyond being “no-weight-bearing” for six weeks after hip surgery.

Erdahl asked Tagovailoa how he helped Mac Jones prepare for his first Iron Bowl.

“The preparation started way before I got injured,” Tagovailoa said. “I think Mac’s been watching since me and Jalen had the opportunity to compete with one another. … He’d come an ask questions to both of us. I think this is a good opportunity for Mac to go out against a really, really good defense, a good Auburn team, and show what he’s capable of doing with our offense.”

The 92-second interview can be viewed below: