Auburn cornerback Donovan Kaufman was the only notable absence from Auburn’s practice Tuesday, which was briefly open to reporters as the team prepares for Samford.

Auburn has opened a portion of practice up to media on Tuesday evenings before each of the first three games of the season.

Cornerback Nehemiah Pritchett did not participate in drills during the practice before UMass but has been seen practicing since. He has not played for Auburn yet this season. Linebacker Austin Keys was not on the field last week before Cal before Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze announced he would have thumb surgery.

Keys has moved from wearing a sling with a cast on his hand inside as he had out in Berkeley to just a blue cast on his right hand and no sling.

The only new absence from Auburn’s practice before Samford was Donovan Kaufman, who left the game with an apparent head injury in the second half.

Auburn plays Samford at 6 p.m. Saturday at Jordan-Hare Stadium. The Tigers are 2-0 after beating Cal last week. Samford is 1-1 after losing to Western Carolina on Saturday. The game will be broadcast on ESPN+.

Below is a rundown of the players known to be on Auburn’s injury report. Other than Kaufman and Keys, everyone else practiced.

CB Donovan Kaufman

Kaufman has been one of Auburn’s best defensive players this season. He was graded as the best cornerback in the nation in Week 2 by Pro Football Focus.

But in the second half against Cal, Kaufman went out with an apparent head injury. After he game, Freeze suggested he was going through concussion protocol.

On Monday, Freeze said it was too early to tell Kaufman’s status for this week.

He did not practice Tuesday. Auburn has not given an update on his health.

CB Nehemiah Pritchett

Prithcett warmed up in pads with the rest of the defense before the Cal game, but he was ultimately unable to play.

In a period of open practice against UMass, Pritchett stood on the sidelines with a heavily wrapped left ankle and did not take part in drills. He did practice before the Cal game and as well before Samford.

He tried to return against Cal but wasn’t quite ready. Pritchett may be Auburn’s best cornerback, but the secondary has fared well so far without him.

CB J.D. Rhym

Rhym hasn’t played in either of Auburn’s first team two games, and was not seen with the rest of the team out in Berkeley. It’s unclear if he traveled.

Rhym has practiced throughout the first two weeks and leading into Samford.

Freeze also said Monday that its too early to say what Rhym’s status will be for Saturday.

CB Keionte Scott

Scott missed time in the second half against Cal with cramps. He was able to come back at the end of the game.

Scott spoke to media members on Monday and appeared healthy in practice Tuesday.

LB Larry Nixon III

Any potential injury to Nixon could be a big problem for Auburn.

Last week, Freeze announced starting linebacker Austin Keys would miss time after thumb surgery. A surgeon told AL.com that the injury could keep Keys out for anywhere between a month to closer to two months.

Nixon had surgery on his wrist over the offseason, and appeared to pick up an injury on the same hand against Cal, Freeze said.

He practiced during Tuesday’s open session.

JACK LB Jalen McLeod

McLeod is clearly not at 100% strength. Freeze put that number closer to 85%, but said even at that rate, McLeod is still able to help Auburn’s pass rush in a big way.

His recovery process still shows itself when McLeod spent time on the stationary bike and keeping his ankle loose on the sideline between his snaps against Cal. But he was able to play in the game after not seeing the field against UMass.

On Monday, McLeod was listed at the top of Auburn’s depth chart for jack linebackers. The previous two depth charts had listed Elijah McAllister as the starter.

OL Kam Stutts

After the Cal game, Freeze said Stutts has a lower leg injury. Stutts practiced in full pads Tuesday and did not show signs of any extra protection for his leg.

WR Nick Mardner

Mardner hasn’t played in either of Auburn’s first two games, but did make the trip to Berkeley, even if he never suited up.

Mardner has been consistently practicing, however. His timeline to return is unclear.

S Jaylin Simpson

Freeze mentioned Simpson in his injury rundown on Monday as being out at the start of the third quarter. Simpson did finish the game and appeared healthy at practice.

Matt Cohen covers Auburn sports for AL.com. You can follow him on Twitter at @Matt_Cohen_ or email him at [email protected]