Defensive backs Jamel Dean and Javaris Davis are cleared to play through practice this week before playing Alabama State, Gus Malzahn announced Tuesday morning.
“We are going to play whoever our guys are that play,” Malzahn said. “Our goal is to improve, and you do that with your players, so we will see where that goes, but both will be out there practicing today.”
Dean injured a finger on his right hand during practice last week and Davis suffered a left arm injury in the team’s win over Washington last Saturday. After the game, Dean said he had no concerns for his finger.
On Wednesday's SEC coaches teleconference, Malzahn said he's still undecided on the statuses of both defensive backs, however the head coach did confirm the pair practiced Tuesday.
Malzahn added that he was impressed with the progress that wide receivers Eli Stove and Will Hastings have made after tearing their ACLs earlier this year.
The head coach added that both wide receivers were cleared to practice.
“We knew their progress was ahead of schedule,” Malzahn said. “There is a really good chance that both of them will be back this year.”
Despite recovering faster than expected and participating in seven-on-sevens, both Stove and Hastings have not been cleared for full contact in practices. Malzahn added they were both involved in “thudding, bumping and everything that goes with it.”
“We will see where that goes, but until they and I are 100 percent for sure, they won’t be on the field,” Malzahn said.
Hastings finished the 2017 season with 26 receptions for 525 yards and four touchdowns
With both wide receivers out, Auburn is tasked with either playing freshmen or finding an answer elsewhere. Against Washington, fullback Chandler Cox was tied for the lead in receiving yards with 52.
In addition to injury updates, Malzahn announced that John Broussard Jr. left the team to “pursue other things.” Freshman Roger McCreary could fill Broussard’s roster spot.
Broussard was previously listed behind sophomore Noah Igbinoghene at cornerback.
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