Nothing comes easy in the SEC West, not even for the Alabama Crimson Tide, so it is a good thing they are getting some key offensive players back to full strength.

According to ESPN, head football coach Nick Saban confirmed Wednesday that running back T.J. Yeldon will be available Saturday for the Tide's road game against LSU. Speaking on the weekly SEC coaches' teleconference, Saban also said starting left tackle Cam Robinson's status is not clear.

Yeldon is an important piece to the Tide's well-rounded offensive game plan, but keeping quarterback Blake Sims upright will be paramount for Saban's squad. In five of LSU's seven home games this season, the Tigers have kept their opponents to seven points or less, including two shutouts.

LSU is currently ranked 16th by the College Football Playoff (CFP) committee following their 10-7 win over then-third-ranked Ole Miss.

"As we increase the workload, it will be based on how his ankle responds," Saban told reporters of his two-year starting tailback.

Alabama is looking up at Mississippi State in the SEC West, but the Tide is currently tied with Auburn and holding off Ole Miss and LSU. One week after visiting Baton Rouge, Alabama will welcome the division leaders to Tuscaloosa before doing the same two weeks later for Auburn in the 2014 Iron Bowl.

LSU's remaining schedule is a bit easier, as they will visit Arkansas and Texas A&M, who are both unranked, with a bye week in between.

AL.com reported from the Tide's practice Wednesday that Robinson dressed out in pads, but practiced with the second team, a possible sign he is not on track to start Saturday. In his place, Austin Shepard practiced with the first team at left tackle.

"Austin is athletic," Alabama right guard Arie Kouandjio told ESPN. "He's been around for a while. He's pretty savvy, and I feel like he's going to be fine. He's adjusting pretty well to playing left tackle. I'm not surprised."