At the beginning of the week, LSU head coach Ed Orgeron was optimistic that safety Grant Delpit would play in Saturday’s game at Alabama. Three days later, and Orgeron’s opinion hasn’t changed.

On Thursday, Orgeron told the media, including The Athletic’s Brody Miller, that he still believes Delpit will suit up this weekend. Delpit participated in some individual drills at Thursday’s practice, but he wasn’t pushed too far.

Delpit missed practices on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday due to an ankle injury he suffered in LSU’s last game against Auburn on Oct. 26. The Tigers had a bye last week, so Delpit had some extra time to rest and try to prepare for the matchup against the Crimson Tide.

LSU could benefit from having Delpit at full strength, as it faces a tough challenge in trying to stop Alabama’s offense this week. Delpit, a junior, has 43 tackles, four pass deflections and an interception in eight games this season.

While things can change before Saturday, it’s an encouraging sign that Orgeron remains optimistic that Delpit will play in this huge SEC clash that is quickly approaching.

No. 1 LSU and No. 2 Alabama are set to kick off on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET on CBS.