Auburn football HC Hugh Freeze hints return of veteran cornerback

It’s still fairly early into the 2023 season, but the Auburn football program is already experiencing bad luck when it comes to injuries.

Earlier this season, the Tigers learned that Austin Keys was dealing with a thumb injury that would require surgery and keep him out of the game for awhile. Then, in last weekend’s homecoming matchup with the Samford Bulldogs, starting defensive back and punt returner Keionte Scott suffered a high ankle sprain that required surgery, and it will be a significant amount of time before Scott will be ready to play again.

Head coach Hugh Freeze noted that losing Scott, who he referred to as the captain of the secondary, means that the Tigers will have to play some of the younger guys on the team in his place. However, Freeze was hopeful that a veteran member of the defense will return this weekend, per AL.com:

"“We’re hopeful that Pritchett can go finally,” Freeze said. “That would be a big plus if he can.”"

Senior cornerback Nehemiah Pritchett has yet to make an appearance on the field for Auburn football this season due to injury. Pritchett played a role on the team as a true freshman, and spent the past two seasons as a starter at the cornerback spot.

Though Scott will be out, Freeze remains hopeful that both Pritchett and Donovan Kaufman, who left the Cal game early to be evaluated for a concussion, will be ready to go for the Tigers this weekend in College Station.

Offensive linemen Izavion “Too Tall” Miller and Kam Stutts both left last weekend’s game early due to injury, and did not participate in practice on Wednesday. Whether or not they will take the field against Texas A&M is questionable.

The Tigers will kick off against the Aggies at 11:00 a.m. this weekend from Kyle Field in College Station.