TUSCALOOSA, Ala. >> Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is back throwing in practice.

Tagovailoa made some throws and handoffs today after injuring a finger on his left, throwing hand in the Crimson Tide’s first spring practice.

Coach Nick Saban says Tagovailoa “has made a very nice recovery” over the past week. He said the freshman from Hawaii did have a broken bone but was able to grip the ball and “could throw a little bit.”

Tagovailoa, a Saint Louis alum, is expected to compete with two-year starter Jalen Hurts for the starting job heading into next season.

The former five-star recruit came off the bench to lead the Tide to a comeback win in the national championship game against Georgia in January.

Saban says Tagovailoa has “a really good, positive attitude about it, and we feel good about where he’s heading.”