The status of Auburn’s best defender has been murky for the past couple of weeks, but coach Gus Malzahn’s words after Auburn’s 45-21 road loss to LSU did not show confidence in defensive end Carl Lawson’s status going forward.
Lawson injured his hip in the first half of Auburn’s season opener against Louisville. He returned to play a series later in the half, but did not play in the second half. The sophomore, who missed all of last season with a torn ACL, was on the sideline while the Tigers struggled against Jacksonville State in their home opener last week.
Lawson was seen this week walking without crutches, but the sophomore didn’t travel with the team to Baton Rouge.
Malzahn said the decision to leave Lawson in Auburn wasn’t made far in advance.
“It was late in the week,” Malzahn said. “He wasn’t going to play so he didn’t travel. We’ll get back and we’ll see how he’s doing.”
However, when Malzahn was asked if Lawson would be out for the remainder of the season, he refused to confirm his status.
“[We’re] hopeful,” Malzahn said. “We’ll see. … We’re still taking it day by day, week by week. When we get back next week, we’ll reassess and maybe I’ll have more information.”
It was not difficult to see the drop-off Auburn suffered when Lawson exited the Louisville game.
In the first half, Auburn gave up 164 yards and zero points as Lawson wreaked havoc, recording four tackles, including two for a loss. The defense faltered without him, however, giving up 241 yards and 24 points.
The defensive struggles have continued since the Louisville game. Auburn gave up 438 yards against Jacksonville State and 485 yards, including 411 on the ground, versus LSU.
Senior cornerback Jonathan Jones said there is no excuse for the defensive play, even without Lawson.
“Guys have to step up and play,” Jones said.” “That’s just part of the game, injuries, people not being there. Guys have to step up and play when their number’s called.”
Linebacker Kris Frost said he expects to see Lawson on the field again this season.
“I feel like he’ll get back out there and when he does, I know he’ll be excited to get out and we’ll be excited to have him,” Frost said.
Lawson’s next opportunity to play will be next Saturday, as Auburn hosts Mississippi State in a night game at Jordan-Hare Stadium.
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