Amaris Williams questionable, Jared Smith could step up for Auburn

Auburn sophomore defensive end Amaris Williams exited the South Alabama game in the first quarter after separating his shoulder.

It remains a concern for head coach Hugh Freeze heading into the Tigers’ SEC opener against Oklahoma.

“If I had to say today, I think the biggest concern would be Amaris,” Freeze said Monday.

Path to more playing time for Jared Smith

If Williams is unavailable against Oklahoma, there are several scenarios Freeze could execute.

“We’ve been rotating guys real good,” Freeze said. “Probably Jared Smith will be the first one that would pop off in my head as a guy. We’re going to play Chris (Murry), we’re going to play Keyron (Crawford), we’re going to play Keldric (Faulk), and probably Jared will be the next guy up. We can move Z (Zeke Walker) out, if we need to, but probably Jared Smith.”

Smith played 16 snaps against South Alabama, grading out at 92.0 on PFF. In the short time Smith played, he recorded two tackles, one sack and forced a fumble in the red zone.

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Freeze updates Alston’s status

Running back Damari Alston missed the last two games for Auburn with a minor shoulder injury. Freeze expects the senior back for this weekend’s contest.

“You haven’t let him go live yet, but I’d be shocked if he doesn’t give it a go,” Freeze said. “I think everybody else will try.”