Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze hoped having a bye week last week would’ve meant his roster would come out out the other side healthier than it did heading into the week.

However, based on the injury update given by Freeze on Monday morning during his weekly press conference, it doesn’t sound like that’ll be the case.

Linebacker Austin Keys (thumb), defensive back Keionte Scott (ankle) and running back Damari Alston (shoulder) have been long-term injury concerns for the Tigers. And as of last Wednesday when Freeze gave a lengthy injury update during the SEC Coaches’ Teleconference, Alston was the only one who sounded to have a chance to return this week.

However, based on Monday’s update, it doesn’t sound likely that Alston will be ready to return by Saturday.

“Doubtful on Damari,” Freeze said of Alston, who suffered a separated shoulder against Texas A&M.

Meanwhile, defensive back Jaylin Simpson and wide receivers Malcolm Johnson Jr. and Ja’Varrius Johnson were said to be day-to-day or questionable with Simpson sounding the most promising to return.

“Jaylin Simpson, I think, will go. He’s day-to-day,” Freeze said of Simpson, who suffered a calf injury vs. Georgia. “He says he’s feeling better each day, so I’m hopeful and expecting that he will go.”

Malcom Johnson Jr. is still bouncing back from an undisclosed injury, while Ja’Varrius Johnson is dealing with a nagging injury to his elbow.

Monday’s update comes on the heels of Wednesday’s news that the Tigers lost defensive lineman Mosiah Nasili-Kite for the remainder of the season after the Maryland transfer suffered a torn bicep against the top-ranked Bulldogs.

“That’s where we are and it’s next man up,” Freeze said. “We’ve gotta get some of these younger kids to play more consistently. We worked on that hard last week in the open week. They got a ton of reps because we’re going to need them before this season is over with the remaining seven games we have.”