It’s unclear how much time either Austin Keyes or Keonte Scott will play in Saturday’s game against No. 13 Ole Miss, but if Tuesday afternoon’s practice is any indication, both Auburn defenders will Looks like we’re heading in the right direction.
Keyes, a linebacker transfer from Ole Miss, suffered a thumb injury that required surgery in the first game of the season against Massachusetts. Since then, Keys has been very limited, and on Tuesday afternoon, Keys participated in practice for the first time since having his cast removed.
“Austin Keyes, I know he’s off the cast,” Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze said Monday. “I don’t think he’ll be back this week, but he’s getting close.”
Keys was not wearing a non-contact jersey on Tuesday, but his right thumb was still tightly wrapped.
Meanwhile, Scott, a junior defensive back, returned to action Tuesday afternoon after undergoing tightrope surgery on Sept. 18 to treat a high ankle sprain he suffered early in the game against Sanford. Scott was not wearing a non-contact jersey.
Freese said Monday that he expects good news about Scott, adding: “He will bring about a significant change in our leadership.”
Again, it’s unclear if Keys and Scott’s participation in Tuesday’s practice indicates that either or both of them will be available for Saturday night’s game against the Rebels. Needless to say, having either player available would be huge given the up-tempo tendencies of Ole Miss’ offense.
Veteran safety Jaylin Simpson (who suffered a calf injury last week but played part in the game against LSU) was said to still not be 100% as of Monday, but did not participate in Tuesday’s open practice. He was a full participant.
On the offensive side of the practice field, sophomore running back Damari Alston is still wearing his yellow non-contact jersey and wears a protector on his upper right arm/shoulder after dislocating his shoulder in the first half against Texas A&M. was.
Asked for an injury update on Monday, Freeze didn’t seem to be holding his breath over Alston’s return.
“It’s not looking good for Damali (Alston),” Freese said.
