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Auburn football injury update ahead of season opener

Auburn football head coach Hugh Freeze updates the status of several Tigers.

By Mary Kate Hughes

Auburn Tigers kicker Alex McPherson (38) warms up before Auburn Tigers take on Mississippi Rebels at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala., on Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023.
Auburn Tigers kicker Alex McPherson (38) warms up before Auburn Tigers take on Mississippi Rebels at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala., on Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023. / Jake Crandall / USA TODAY NETWORK
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Auburn football head coach Hugh Freeze updates the status of several Tigers

It's the end of August, and Auburn football is back. The Tigers kick off their second season under head coach Hugh Freeze this Saturday when they host Alabama A&M in Jordan-Hare Stadium at 6:30 p.m.

One of Freeze's top priorities in fall camp quickly became making sure that his players stay healthy and avoid major injuries ahead of the start of the season, especially after the news broke that Texas running back Christian Clark tore his ACL and will be out for the season.

So how have the Tigers fared in the leadup to the 2024 season? Though no serious injuries were suffered, several players were slightly banged up. According to Freeze, both cornerback Keionte Scott and linebacker Austin Keys are currently "probably" but are expected to be able to participate this weekend.

"Our medical team felt like (Keys) was a probable," said Freeze, per Auburn Rivals. "He has another day-to-day today, which is just walkthrough today. I'm going to need to see something out of him Tuesday and Wednesday for me to feel that way. That's the way they felt about he and Keionte."

Transfer wide receiver KeAndre Lambert-Smith dealt with a minor ankle issue earlier in camp but returned to practices last week and is expected to start this Saturday.

Finally, kicker Alex McPherson continues to gain weight and improve after dealing with a major gastrointestinal issue, but is not expected to be ready to go just yet this weekend. True freshman Towns McGough — who showed off his talents during the A-Day game — will likely get the starting nod.

"Alex is much better, he’s much better. I don’t think he will be ready to go, but don’t hold me to that," said Freeze. "Towns is prepared and ready to go and has had a really good week last week. That’s where I think it’s headed, but Alex did kick a little last Thursday. I don’t think he’ll be quite ready this Saturday."

On the whole, Auburn football is very healthy heading into their season opener and their five-game stretch at home.

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