Nick Saban addresses Jermaine Burton's usage vs. MSU, availability vs. Texas A&M

It was a quiet evening for Jermaine Burton as Alabama rolled Mississippi State on Saturday night, as the leading receiver entering the night didn’t record a catch. On the SEC coaches teleconference on Wednesday, head coach Nick Saban shared that Burton has been banged up some.

And while Alabama tried to get him out in spots to make plays agains the Bulldogs, he wasn’t very effective. However, Saban is hopeful for Burton to be more impactful this Saturday against Texas A&M.

“He’s been a little bit banged up. We were going to try to spot him in the game to do what he could and hopefully he’ll be better this week,” Saban said.

Burton is currently tied for second on the Crimson Tide with eight receptions and still leads the team with 189 receiving yards in five games. He’s also tied for a team-high with his two receiving touchdowns.

And traveling to College Station this weekend, having Burton back to his usual self would be big for the Alabama offense. The Crimson Tide and Aggies will kick off at 3:30 p.m. EST with the game broadcast on CBS.

Saban offered more injury updates on Wednesday

There are some guys who could not play in Starkville though, dealing with more long-term stuff. Deontae Lawson and Terrence Ferguson are two of them, with the hope being the return on Saturday against Texas A&M.

Saban gave the latest of Lawson and Ferguson, saying both have practiced this week. As for their game status, Alabama will not know anything more until closer to kickoff. At the very least, getting them back on the practice field is a positive.

“Both guys are able to practice,” Saban said during the SEC Coaches Teleconference. “We probably won’t know how effective they will be for the game until later in the week.”

Lawson, who Saban has dubbed the signal caller of the Alabama defense, suffered an ankle injury against Ole Miss. Two guys had to step in against Mississippi State and Saban was happy with the results.

“Trezmen Marshall did a really good job,” Saban said following the Mississippi State game. “Jihaad (Campbell) is a little bit inexperienced. Those two guys playing together have been really good for us.”

Ferguson was injured during the same game, leaving just before halftime. He has been playing right guard for the Crimson Tide and the position has been thin at times.