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Auburn vs Alabama injury report: Latest updates, news for Iron Bowl

All the latest updates and news on Auburn’s injury report ahead of the Iron Bowl game vs. Alabama.

The initial SEC Student-Athlete Availability Report ahead of rivalry week in the conference has been released.

Auburn’s report is fairly standard, as four of the six players listed have been diagnosed with season-ending injuries. This week, Kicker [autotag]Alex McPherson[/autotag] returns to the list and has been ruled out for Saturday’s game at No. 13 Alabama. Tight end [autotag]Rivaldo Fairweather,[/autotag] listed as a “game-time decision” for Auburn’s last game vs. Texas A&M, is listed as “questionable” in Wednesday’s report.

For Alabama, one key addition was made. Linebacker Deontae Lawson suffered a season-ending injury in the Crimson Tide’s game at Oklahoma last Saturday night. According to Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer, Lawson underwent surgery on Tuesday.

Here is a look at the initial SEC Student-Athlete Availability Report released Wednesday ahead of the 89th playing of the Iron Bowl.

Auburn football injury report

LB Jamonta Waller (Out)
DB Tyler Scott (Out)
DB Champ Anthony (Out)
K Alex McPherson (Out)
TE Brandon Frazier (Out)
TE Rivaldo Fairweather (Questionable)

Alabama football injury report

LB Deontae Lawson (Out)
DB Keon Sabb (Out)
WR Cole Adams (Out)
LB Quandarrius Robinson (Out)

Rivaldo Fairweather injury update

Fairweather status was listed as a “game time decision” ahead of last Saturday’s game vs. Texas A&M. However, he ended up starting at tight end in the game and played 60 snaps, his personal second-highest snap total of the season. However, he returns to the availability report this week and is listed “questionable” for Saturday’s game at Alabama. Fairweather’s injury remains unknown at this time, but it will be an important development to follow in the days leading up to Saturday’s Iron Bowl.

Auburn vs. Texas A&M injury report: Final update, news for Saturday

Here is the final update on Auburn’s injury report ahead of its week 13 game vs. Texas A&M.

Kickoff between the Auburn Tigers and the No. 14 Texas A&M Aggies is less than two hours away, and the final SEC Student-Athlete Availability Report has been released for the game.

Auburn’s report features six players, four of whom are nursing season-ending injuries. Tight end [autotag]Rivaldo Fairweather[/autotag] has been added to the report with a “game-time decision” tag.

One player, kicker [autotag]Alex McPherson[/autotag], has been ruled out due to an ongoing gastrointestinal illness. Head coach [autotag]Hugh Freeze[/autotag] will look to walk-on kicker [autotag]Ian Vachon[/autotag] to handle kicking duties on Saturday following his debut performance in Auburn’s win over ULM. In that game, he connected on all six of his extra-point opportunities and went 2-for-2 on field goal chances, connecting on a long of 26 yards.

Freeze complimented Vachon’s performance during Monday’s preview press conference by saying that it would be tough to remove his duties.

“It’d be hard to take it from him at this point. Again, I think Towns (McGough) is going to be outstanding. He’s just a young freshman. All of our freshmen are making mistakes that are playing. Kickers probably get more magnified than a DB or defensive lineman. I want to be sure everybody hears me loud and clear, I think his future is extremely bright. You don’t get that type of leg strength often. Currently, Ian (Vachon) is batting 1,000. Those have been critical plays in some of our losses that had we made those the whole dynamic of that game at that point kind of changes, so we’re not going to take the ball out of his hands right now. I’m proud of him. It’s a great story. He came through when he got his number called Saturday, so he’ll get another chance.”

Here is a look at the final SEC Student-Athlete Availability Report ahead of Auburn’s game vs. Texas A&M, which kicks off at 6:30 p.m. CT on ESPN.

Auburn injury report

OLB Jamonta Waller (Out)
DB Tyler Scott (Out)
DB Champ Anthony (Out)
K Alex McPherson (Out)
TE Brandon Frazier (Out)
TE Rivaldo Fairweather (Game time decision)

Texas A&M injury report

RB Reuben Owens (Out)
WR Cyrus Allen (Out)
DB Tyreek Chappell (Out)
RB Le’Veon Moss (Out)
OL Mark Nabou Jr. (Out)
QB Jaylen Henderson (Out)
OL Chase Bisontis (Game time decision)

Caleb Wooden injury update

Wooden was listed as questionable for Saturday’s game on Wednesday’s initial SEC Student-Athlete Availability Report due to an undisclosed injury that kept him sidelined for last week’s game vs. ULM. He has been cleared to play according to the final report released Saturday, and will provide key depth to the Auburn defensive backfield.

Caleb Burton injury update

Burton has not appeared in a game since Auburn’s loss to Arkansas on Sept. 21. It was reported that Burton had missed several weeks of action due to concussion protocol. However, he is no longer listed on Auburn’s availability report, and will be available to play against Texas A&M.

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SEC releases Student-Athlete Availability Report ahead of Auburn vs. Vanderbilt

Auburn’s early injury report reveals the status of two key playmakers.

The initial SEC Student-Athlete Availability Report for Auburn’s game with Vanderbilt has been released and features the status of two key playmakers.

According to Wednesday’s report, defensive back [autotag]Keionte Scott[/autotag] and kicker [autotag]Alex McPherson[/autotag] are “questionable” for Saturday’s game. Last week, Scott participated in 10 snaps, all on special teams, due to an ankle injury that limited his time on defense. McPherson kicked for the first time this season in last week’s game at Kentucky after battling an illness since the season’s early stages. According to a report from Auburn Undercover, McPherson did not practice on Tuesday.

Jamonta Waller, Brandon Frazier, Champ Anthony, and Tyler Scott remain “out” due to season-ending injuries. Wide receiver Caleb Burton is also tabbed out due to an unknown ailment.

Vanderbilt has listed 10 players on its early report, DL Zaylin Wood, CB Mark Davis, and OL Grayson Morgan being ruled “out.”

Linebacker Langston Patterson is listed among its “questionable” players due to an ankle sprain he suffered three weeks ago. Patterson returned to action for Vanderbilt in last week’s game vs. Texas for the first time in two games, participating in 65 snaps and making three tackles. Patterson has logged 38 tackles this season, which ranks third among Vanderbilt defenders.

The SEC Student-Athlete Availability Report will feature several updates leading up to Saturday’s 11:45 a.m. CT scheduled kick. The final report will be released 90 minutes prior to Auburn’s game with Vanderbilt at Jordan-Hare Stadium.

What did we learn from Auburn’s victory over Kentucky?

Auburn ended October on a high note by taking down Kentucky on the road.

Auburn football is finally finished with its month-long stretch of road games, but comes out of it with the sweet taste of victory that it has not felt since September.

The Tigers escaped Kroger Field with a 24-10 victory on Saturday, fulfilling a 10-point comeback and finishing the game in full, something they have not done in quite some time. The win puts Auburn at 3-5 on the year and 1-4 in the SEC.

This game started like recent ones, where the offense showed a very slow start while the defense gave the team somewhat of a chance. This time though, the offense turned things around throughout the action.

Here is what we learned about the Tigers after the win.

Starting quarterback [autotag]Payton Thorne[/autotag] finally made necessary changes after yet another slow start, and his smart decisions helped drive a lot of momentum into the entire offense.

Thorne threw an interception in the first quarter, but overall, went 20 for 26 with 172 yards and one touchdown. His vision got better as the game went on, but things still have a lot of room to improve in that facet if the team wants a better start.

Senior running back [autotag]Jarquez Hunter[/autotag] needs to be handed the ball in order for Auburn to have success down the stretch. The star in the backfield rushed 23 times for 278 yards and two touchdowns, becoming a workhorse throughout the night and pushing the team towards the win down the stretch.

Hunter showed all night that he has the skills to break off big runs, which were evident in a 50-yard run and a 45-yard touchdown run that he had in the fourth quarter to put the dagger on the Wildcats.

As for the offensive line, things need to be reviewed with its blocking scheme, as Thorne took five sacks on the night. As tough opponents near at the end of this season, Thorne needs to have more time in the pocket than he does in order to make plays and stay healthy.

As for the defense, it was an all-around complete performance. Two interceptions and three sacks were a big reason why Kentucky’s offense was shut out after the first quarter, making big plays all night.

Freshman cornerback [autotag]Jay Crawford[/autotag] is going to continue to be a force for this defense… and he is only in his first season. Crawford made the first interception of the night for Tigers, arguably seen as the turning point of the game. He also only allowed a 33% completion rate on six targets for the night.

As for the special teams, [autotag]Alex McPherson[/autotag] made his way back into action for the first time in the 2024 season. While he missed and made one kick each, there is some optimism that he will make a steady return over the course of November.

Auburn returns home to Jordan-Hare Stadium on Nov. 2 to welcome Vanderbilt and former New Mexico State quarterback Diego Pavia to town. Kickoff is set for 11:45 a.m. CST and the game will be broadcast on the SEC Network.

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Initial SEC Student-Athlete Availability Report released ahead of Auburn vs. Kentucky

What is the status of several key Tigers ahead of Saturday’s game at Kentucky?

The initial SEC Student-Athlete Availability Report was released Wednesday, ahead of week nine’s action.

Auburn football has four players nursing season-ending injuries, with just one other player listed on the report. Wide receiver [autotag]Caleb Burton[/autotag] is listed as “doubtful” for Auburn’s game at Kentucky this Saturday according to the first report. Burton has played in three games this season for the Tigers, hauling in two catches for 49 yards. The cause of his injury is unknown at this time.

LB [autotag]Jamonta Waller[/autotag], DBs [autotag]Tyler Scott[/autotag] and [autotag]Champ Anthony[/autotag], and tight end [autotag]Brandon Frazier[/autotag] are ruled out for Saturday’s game.

Another player to keep an eye on this week is kicker [autotag]Alex McPherson[/autotag]. He has been removed from the availability report but has yet to play this season. Head coach Hugh Freeze suggested the possibility of McPherson getting a chance to kick this weekend during his weekly press conference.

“Should we have another opportunity within the 35-yard range, we are going to give Alex (McPherson) that shot,” Freeze said Monday. “He told me he felt like he could do that, so we’re close to thinking on that. We’ll see how the week goes. Again, we are excited about Towns (McGough) and his future and his talent, but we need to make those. Those are critical moments that keep our momentum up and us feeling good and us feeling like we are finding ways to win the game. But he (Alex) did feel like he could have participated if we had that situation again Saturday.”

Kentucky‘s injury woes will carry into this weekend’s game as seven players are ruled out, three players are listed as “questionable,” five are “probable,” and one player is listed as “doubtful.”

The player deemed “doubtful” for Kentucky early on is leading rusher, Demie Sumo-Karngbaye, who has rushed for 419 yards on 92 carries with four touchdowns.

The next SEC Student-Athlete Availability Report will be released on Thursday at 7 p.m. CT, unveiling the final report 90 minutes before Auburn’s game at Kentucky, which is scheduled for a 6:45 p.m. CT kickoff on Saturday.

Auburn kicker Alex McPherson to miss season opener

While mostly healthy and participating in team activities, the Auburn kicker will not play in the Tigers’ week one game against Alabama A&M.

As the Auburn Tigers prepare for their week one contest on Saturday night, they will be without a starter on the field that might come as notable news to some.

Head coach [autotag]Hugh Freeze[/autotag] revealed in a conference on Wednesday that kicker [autotag]Alex McPherson[/autotag] will not be in action when his team plays Alabama A&M.

McPherson recently began participating in team activities again recently after missing of most of this year’s fall camp dealing with a gastrointestinal illness that saw his physical fitness drop considerably.

While he is on the right track to return to game action early in the season, he is not quite there yet. As a result, true freshman and Auburn native [autotag]Towns McGough[/autotag] will handle McPherson’s duties, having high expectations after a spectacular high school career at Auburn High School.

“[McPherson] will not be ready to play this Saturday. So, Towns will handle our kicking duties, both kickoff and field goal, extra points, but we do feel positive about where Alex is trending,” Freeze said during Wednesday’s SEC head coaches media teleconference.

Fans will get to see some authentic first-game action out of McGough after he did some work in the spring game.

The Tigers will take the field on Saturday, Aug. 31 to play the Alabama A&M Bulldogs at 6:30 p.m. CST in Jordan-Hare Stadium.

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Hunter, McPherson earn first team All-SEC preseason honors

RB Jarquez Hunter and K Alex McPherson will be a factor in Auburn’s success this season.

The preseason All-SEC team has been released, and Auburn has two representatives on the first team.

Running back [autotag]Jarquez Hunter[/autotag] and kicker [autotag]Alex McPherson[/autotag] are among 29 players from across the SEC to earn a place within the preseason All-SEC team. Hunter joins Georgia‘s Trevor Etienne as a first-team running back while McPherson is tabbed as a first-team kickoff specialist alongside kicker Bert Auburn of Texas and punter James Burnip of Alabama. McPherson also grabbed third-team kicker honors.

Hunter’s first season as the premier back in Auburn’s offense saw him rush for 909 yards on 159 attempts with seven touchdowns. He looks to take his game a step further this season by becoming the first back to eclipse the 1,000-yard mark since [autotag]Tank Bigsby[/autotag] rushed for 1,102 yards in 2022.

McPherson earns a first-team nod after connecting on all 40 of his extra point attempts and carving up a 13-for-13 mark in field goals with a long of 53. McPherson battled a gastrointestinal ailment during the offseason and is slowly working his way back to 100%.

In all, Auburn has four representatives on the preseason All-SEC team. [autotag]Keionte Scott[/autotag] is a second-team punt returner while [autotag]Eugene Asante[/autotag] is a third-team linebacker.

Alex McPherson is ‘back to being himself’ following health setback

The Lou Groza Award semifinalist is starting to kick in practice after missing some time during the offseason.

After battling a gastrointestinal issue during the offseason, Auburn kicker [autotag]Alex McPherson[/autotag]’s status season was in question. Now, it appears that Auburn’s Lou Groza Award semifinalist will get a chance to return to the field sooner than imagined.

Auburn special teams coordinator [autotag]Tanner Burns[/autotag] met with the media this week, where he shared a positive update regarding one of Auburn’s top-scoring weapons. McPherson is starting to gain weight and has begun kicking in practice.

“It was a slow process to get him to where he’s at now, but I think he weighs a little over 140 now. So he’s gaining that weight, he’s starting to kick. Really kind of amping that up this week,” Burns said. “Health-wise and everything, he’s back to being himself. There was a point in time — he’s always the type of kid that’s going to say he’s doing great whether he was having a good day or a bad day. But now the personality that we’re used to him having has shown up more and more.”

If McPherson needs to miss time, freshman [autotag]Towns McGough[/autotag], who became a folk legend following his A-Day performance, is ready to step up and take on the role of Auburn’s starting kicker. Burns has confidence that his kickers will give Auburn an edge in tight games.

“I feel like we’ve got the two best kickers in the country,” Burns said. “I really do. It’s not just something I’m saying. Those guys are the two most talented I’ve had in my years of coaching. Their mindset is what you want. But to be able to have Towns here in a situation that none of us could see happening, happening, and to have him here and his attitude and how he’s related to those guys and that group, and how he takes coaching. … He’s still just a freshman. No different than a wideout we have, a linebacker, anybody else. A freshman. But he had a good camp.”

McPherson reached perfection last season. He nailed all 13 of his field goal attempts with his long being 53 yards out. As for extra points, he connected on all 40 of his attempts. In two seasons, McPherson has missed just one kick. He missed a 54-yard field goal attempt in Auburn’s 13-10 win over Texas A&M in 2022. He plays a vital role in Auburn’s scoring success, so the possibility of him returning with full power will give the Tigers the upper hand in special teams.

Auburn gains commitment from punter John Alan McGuire

Auburn football earned a commitment from the nation’s No. 2 punter from the 2025 class.

Auburn football has been on a tear as of late in the recruiting game, racking up many of the nation’s top high school prospects during and immediately following its annual Big Cat Weekend. The Tigers are making themselves on notice, something that has not been seen in a handful of years.

One commitment that came out of the weekend of festivities on the Plains was that of [autotag]John Alan McGuire[/autotag], a punter out of Thompson High School (Ala.), on Sunday.

McGuire already has a legacy with the football program, as his older brother Evan was a kicker that served as a backup to [autotag]Anders Carlson[/autotag] and [autotag]Alex McPherson[/autotag] from 2020-2023.

McGuire’s time with the Thompson Warriors has been nothing short of exceptional, helping the Warriors to two state championships out of the three seasons that he has played so far.

His talent level will put him into a position to succeed, as Auburn’s current punting duties will be open following the 2024 season with the graduation of [autotag]Oscar Chapman[/autotag]. According to the Kohl’s Kicking National Punter Rankings, McGuire is ranked the No. 2 punter in the nation with a five-star rating in the class of 2025.

With the announcement of his commitment via his social media, the Tigers beat out Florida State for the specialist, making yet another in-state player to land on the Plains.

While Auburn has the option of using him as a kicker or kick-off specialist when necessary, his primary role will be pinning opposing offenses deep when the Tigers stall on drives.

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Four Tigers selected to preseason All-SEC team

Expect these four players to make an impact on the field this season.

Auburn football is expected to fly under the radar this season, as media members in attendance for SEC Media Days last week in Dallas, Texas picked the Tigers to finish No. 10 in its preseason poll.

Auburn also fell short in the All-SEC team as well, as there are only four representatives on this year’s squad. Running back [autotag]Jarquez Hunter[/autotag], kicker [autotag]Alex McPherson[/autotag], linebacker [autotag]Eugene Asante[/autotag], and returner [autotag]Keionte Scott[/autotag] each earned a spot on the preseason All-SEC team, as voted on by media members across the region.

Hunter and McPherson were named to the All-SEC first team after successful seasons in 2023. Hunter finished a few yards shy of 1,000 yards in his first season as premier back in Auburn’s offense. Hunter rushed for 909 yards on 159 carries with seven touchdowns.

As for McPherson, the sophomore kicker was responsible for scoring 79 points last season for Auburn. He accomplished the feat by reaching perfection in every field goal and point after try, nailing every single kick he attempted. He went 40-for-40 in extra point attempts and 13-for-13 in field goal tries with a long of 53 yards.

Asante burst onto the scene last season by recording 86 tackles with five sacks. He is being rewarded with a third team nod, which will allow for him the opportunity to take a first or second team spot by season’s end.

Finally, Scott wraps Auburn’s representation by taking home a third team specialist nod. Scott returned 15 punts for 222 yards for an average of 14.8 yards per return. He also a touchdown last season in Auburn’s win over Arkansas. In addition to his returning duties, Scott will be instrumental in Auburn’s secondary by playing cornerback.

One notable snub is tight end [autotag]Rivaldo Fairweather[/autotag], who missed out on preseason honors after leading the team in receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns last season. Fairweather looks to build upon 2023’s success where he hauled in 38 catches for 394 yards and six touchdowns.