Two Auburn defenders are nearing returns from injuries, according to defensive coordinator Will Muschamp.
Defensive end Carl Lawson (hip) and defensive back T.J. Davis (knee) are making progress in their recoveries and are expected back on the field soon.
Lawson suffered a hip injury in the first half of the season opener against Louisville, but Muschamp expects the talented pass rusher back soon.
“He’s on schedule to come back, [but] not this week,” Muschamp said in his media availability on Wednesday. “He’s a guy that they’ve had on the field, not practicing at all, but running … We’ll continue to move forward with his situation.”
Muschamp said Lawson met with Dr. James Andrews, Auburn’s orthopedic surgeon, on Wednesday, but there is still no exact timetable for Lawson’s return.
“They haven’t told me specifically, but we certainly expect him back,” Muschamp said. “I believe we’re dealing with a situation that will be resolved soon.”
Though Lawson has not played since the Louisville game and did not travel with the team to LSU, he was on the sidelines for the Kentucky game.
Fellow defensive end DaVonte Lambert said Lawson brought encouragement and knowledge to the sideline in the 30-27 win.
“He brings energy,” Lambert said on Tuesday. “He also talks to us about pass rush moves, as well, what he see out there. He gives us tips when we come to the sideline.
Muschamp echoed Lambert, saying Lawson possesses valuable insight that is beneficial to the other linemen during a game.
“Guys can talk to him a little bit about what they’re seeing [on the field],” Muschamp said. “He’s a really good football player, but his intangible qualities go very far for our football team.”
Davis is recovering from a torn ACL suffered in spring practice, and he figures to be a welcome addition to a thin Auburn secondary.
At SEC Media Days in July, coach Gus Malzahn said the goal was to have Davis back by week three or four, but the cornerback has yet to see the field. Muschamp said Davis is “still battling through” the injury but did not offer a specific timetable.
Though Lawson has been ruled out, Davis’s next opportunity to see action is this Saturday, when Auburn travels to Arkansas to play the Razorbacks at 11 a.m.
Do you like this story? The Plainsman doesn't accept money from tuition or student fees, and we don't charge a subscription fee. But you can donate to support The Plainsman.
