Five Auburn players listed as questionable by Hugh Freeze spotted at Tuesday practice

Auburn will get the Hugh Freeze era started on Saturday, welcoming UMass to Jordan-Hare Stadium. Excitement around the program is palpable, with everyone wanting to forget the past two seasons under Bryan Harsin. Those on the Plains believe Freeze will bring winning ways back and in a hurry.

Unfortunately, there are some injuries the Tigers are dealing with heading into Week 1. There were five players Freeze listed as questionable for UMass. Positive news has rolled in on them though, with all five being spotted at Auburn’s practice on Tuesday.

“Auburn HC Hugh Freeze mentioned these players as questionable for the UMass game,” Justin Ferguson of the Auburn Observer began. “QB Robby Ashford, JACK Jalen McLeod, WR Nick Mardner, CB Nehemiah Pritchett, CB J.D. Rhym. And I can say all of them were at practice Tuesday.”

Freeze named the five players questionable during his Monday press conference. While it could go either way, there is a scenario where all of them suit up and play against UMass. Seeing a couple be ruled out as the week progresses would not shock Freeze either.

Truly the definition of questionable when it comes to an injury report.

“It wouldn’t shock me if all of those went truthfully, but it wouldn’t really shock me if a few didn’t make it either,” Freeze said on Monday. “But our list is pretty short and hopefully all of them will make progress this week and be able to go.”

Auburn QB Robby Ashford at practice despite being questionable

Quarterback Robby Ashford is likely the biggest name of the five, despite being the backup. Michigan State transfer Payton Thorne is going to take the first snap on Saturday. Freeze announced him as the starter and expects Thorne to play well.

But Freeze admits Auburn may have to find a way to get Ashford onto the field. Of course, getting healthy will be the first step toward getting reps and UMass. Still, Freeze likes what the backup can bring to the table if his number is called.

“I’ve said it from the get-go that if Robby handles things the right way, he has to get on the field,” Freeze said last week. “He’s different. He’s probably had his best three practices over the last three practices. I’m really proud of him and he’s going to push Payton if he keeps continuing to play like this. Payton’s going to have to play really well.”