If LSU (2-3) is going to bounce back from last week’s blowout loss at Auburn, it looks like they’ll have to do so without their starting quarterback.

LSU coach Ed Orgeron announced Wednesday on his weekly radio show that Myles Brennan (abdominal) is “very doubtful” to return next Saturday against visiting No. 2 Alabama (6-0).

The junior quarterback returned to practice on Wednesday for the first time since sustaining the injury on Oct. 10 vs. Missouri.

However, Brennan still has a ways to go before he’s cleared to play.

“He tried to practice today,” Orgeron said per The Advocate. “He practiced a little bit. It wasn’t very good. It was hurting. So we’re going to see again tomorrow and see how much he can practice next week. Right now, I’d have to say he’s very doubtful the way it is.”

Prior to the injury, Brennan tallied 1,112 yards, 11 touchdowns, and 3 interceptions.

The LSU offense had major difficulties without Brennan in the 48-11 loss to Auburn. Freshman quarterback TJ Finley committed three turnovers and this was the largest margin of defeat against Auburn since 1996.

Freshman Max Johnson replaced Finley and amassed 172 yards, including a 43-yard touchdown pass to Kayshon Boutte.

Orgeron hasn’t yet settled on who’ll be under center against the Crimson Tide.

“We’re gonna have a competition between Max and TJ, just like we have and let’s see who does the best job, and whoever does the best job, we’re going to start him,” Orgeron said.

Whoever gets the nod in Brennan’s absence will be going up against an Alabama defense which shutout Mississippi State last week. It’ll be a tall task for either freshman but at the very least, they’ll get valuable game experience to build on.