A.J. McCarron, Amari Cooper likely to play against LSU

Alabama quarterback A.J. McCarron and wide receiver Amari Cooper are expected to practice Tuesday, according to Nick Saban. McCarron has a bruised back and Cooper has been working through an ankle injury.

McCarron suffered a back contusion in the third quarter of Saturday's 38-7 win over Mississippi State. Alabama coach Nick Saban said McCarron could have returned to the game if the Crimson Tide needed him. McCarron was injured when he was sacked by Mississippi State's Cameron Lawrence in the third quarter.

Cooper twisted his ankle in the same game.

McCarron has appeared in all eight games for the Crimson Tide this season. He's completed 68 percent of his passes for 1,684 yards and 18 touchdowns. McCarron has yet to throw an interception this season. Cooper has been McCarron's favorite target this season. The freshman has 32 catches for 472 yards and five touchdowns. All stats lead the team. He's averaging 59 yards per game.

Alabama, the No. 1 team in the nation, travels to play No. 6 LSU on Saturday.

This story originally appeared at SB Nation.