Gus Malzahn gave Auburn fans some good news and some bad news Monday morning.
In a press conference, Malzahn announced that leading receiver D'haquille Williams has been suspended for the Outback Bowl, but is planning on returning for his senior season on the Plains.
"(Williams) has been suspended for breaking team rules," Malzahn said. "He is planning on coming back next year so that's why he is here."
Malzahn said Williams has been working with the scout team during practice in the week leading up to the game.
"He's acting as Wisconsin's top receiver, so I felt like that was the right thing to do," Malzahn said.
Williams, a junior college transfer, racked up 730 receiving yards and five touchdowns on 45 catches in his first year for the Tigers.
The absence of Williams will force Auburn's other playmakers to take a bigger role, according to Malzahn.
"We played without him a couple of games anyway, so we've got some veteran guys that we can move around," Malzahn said. "Ricardo Louis, C.J. (Uzomah), Melvin (Ray), they all three will have a role in taking his place."
Speculation on Williams' status with the team began to circulate when he did not make the initial trip to Tampa with the rest of the Tigers.
Williams' receiving counterpart Sammie Coates has already announced that he won't be returning for his senior season.
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