Jackie Marshall injury update: Baylor DL unlikely to return vs. Auburn

Baylor defensive lineman Jackie Marshall suffered an injury in the first quarter against Auburn on Friday. He was helped off the field by Baylor’s medical staff. In the second quarter, FOX sideline reporter Alexa Landestoy said she doesn’t think Marshall will be returning to the game.

Marshall’s absence could have massive implications for the remainder of the game. He is a redshirt senior and a captain for the Bears.

Marshall started all 13 of Baylor’s games last season, amassing 42 tackles, 6.5 for a loss, three sacks, a forced fumble and five quarterback hurries. PFF named Marshall Baylor’s top-graded defensive player. He posted a 78.4 defensive grade, an 88.4 rush defense grade and a 63.9 pass rush grade.

This injury isn’t Marshall’s first. He missed all of the 2023 season while out with an injury. In 2022, Marshall appeared in 12 of Baylor’s 13 games and made one start. He finished the year with 22 tackles, two tackles for loss, three pass breakups and a fumble recovery.

Ahead of Baylor’s season-opening showdown against Auburn, Tigers head coach Hugh Freeze said he’d been impressed by Jackie Marshall on film. Now, Baylor will have to look to make a comeback against Auburn with Marshall on the field.

Hugh Freeze raves about Jackson Arnold ahead of season opener

Jackson Arnold is off to a hot start in his Auburn debut. Hugh Freeze, for one, isn’t surprised. Ahead of the Tigers’ showdown against Baylor on Friday, Freeze reaffirmed his confidence in his starting quarterback.

“I’m a big believer in him, obviously,” Freeze said. “That’s who he went after, and I loved him out of high school and I love him even more today. I just want to help him as much as I can. Get him off to a fast start where his confidence just grows and grows because he’s a talented kid, and one who we believe in.”

Arnold transferred to Auburn this offseason after spending two seasons at Oklahoma. Arnold tallied 1,421 passing yards and 12 touchdowns for the Sooners last season while only throwing three interceptions. Arnold was also a formidable threat in the ground game, recording 444 rushing yards and three scores.

Alas, Arnold never reached his full potential at Oklahoma. Injuries ran rampant through the team’s offensive linemen, leading to weak protection for Arnold in the 2024 campaign. Oklahoma allowed 50 sacks last season, the most in the country.

Now, Arnold will have a fresh start with a staff that believes in him. Thus far, he’s only confirming his head coach’s confidence in his abilities.