AL.com All-Access: Tua's finger, Stidham's shoulder add some intrigue to spring practice

The potential for a drama-free spring at Alabama lasted all of one practice, thanks to the mystery of the most valuable left hand in the state.

As you most certainly know by now, Crimson Tide quarterback Tua Tagovailoa went down with some sort of hand injury on Tuesday. The injury was described as a sprained thumb by Nick Saban but a broken index finger by Tagovailoa's father (maybe it's both?).

We might not ever know exactly what happened, but we do know that it required surgery and Tagovailoa was back at practice Thursday. How much he will do (or should do) the rest of the spring remains to be seen.

That leaves the Crimson Tide with Jalen Hurts and Mac Jones among healthy scholarship quarterbacks this spring. Presumptive graduate transfer Gardner Minshew instead committed to Washington State, which means another transfer could leave Alabama dangerously thin at the position.

The starting quarterback on the other side of the state is also ailing, as Auburn's Jarrett Stidham has missed all of spring after shoulder surgery. Stidham's also expected to be fine long-term, though we won't know for sure until we see him air it out for real this fall.

If nothing else, we'll get to see plenty of Malik Willis and Joey Gatewood in the A-Day game, so that should be interesting. Hard to see either one beating out Stidham, though.

But it's more likely the quarterback drama is overshadow the really important questions this spring, such as:

• Alabama offensive line -- Where does Jonah Williams play? Where does Ross Pierschbacher play? Who are the tackles? Will both Alex Leatherwood and Jedrick Wills be in the starting lineup?

• Auburn offensive line -- Can the Tigers find a capable two-deep? Is Prince Tega Wanogho ready to lock down the left tackle spot? Can Kaleb Kim be an SEC-quality center?

• Auburn wide receiver -- Can Eli Stove be back by the fall from a torn ACL?

• Auburn secondary -- Where does Javaris Davis play? Will Noah Igbinoghene stick at corner? Is freshman Smoke Monday going to be a major contributor?

• Alabama secondary -- Are both starting corners on campus yet, or will a freshman be in the mix this fall? Does Travon Diggs win a job this fall?

• Alabama defensive line -- Who plays nose tackle?

What other questions are you hoping get answered this spring?

I'll take your questions and comments on that or anything else on your mind beginning at 10 a.m.

from Auburn Sports Impact http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2018/03/alcom_all-access_tuas_finger_s.html