After missing the first two Auburn practices open to the media, running back Jarquez Hunter was seen back at practice Tuesday.

It’s not confirmed if Tuesday was Hunter’s first day back at practice. There were two Auburn practices not open to the media on Sunday and Monday.

Over the summer, a sex tape was released online that allegedly shows Hunter and potentially involved other players. Auburn announced suspensions and that it is conducting an investigation but the statement did not include the number of players involved.

It was never stated if Hunter was one of the players suspended and details surrounding his return to practice remain unclear.

Asked about Hunter’s status throughout the summer, head coach Hugh Freeze as repeatedly declined to comment. No reason was given for why Hunter missed Auburn’s initial practices.

In Tuesday’s practice, Hunter took snaps in offensive drills behind the projected starting offensive line. Quarterback Robby Ashford handed him the ball in that same grouping.

Hunter has long been expected to be a star for Auburn’s offense this season. He broke out at the end of 2022 with at least 100 rushing yards in each of Auburn’s final three games. He finished the year with 668 rushing yards and seven touchdowns.

At a press conference Monday, Auburn offensive coordinator Philip Montgomery said Auburn might employ a running back “by committee” approach. Though Montgomery didn’t state if the plan included Hunter in the picture.

With Hunter back, one of the biggest questions hanging over Auburn’s on-field play disappears. But many questions remain regarding exactly what happened to get to this point.

This is a breaking news story and will be updated.