Auburn’s Hugh Freeze gives post-LSU injury update on Simpson, Alston, Keys, more

Auburn’s Hugh Freeze gives post-LSU injury update on Simpson, Alston, Keys, more

Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze provided an injury update at his Monday press conference following the teams’s 48-18 loss at LSU over the weekend and going into the upcoming game against Ole Miss at 6 p.m. this coming Saturday.

There were no new injuries picked up during the game itself, and Freeze said Auburn could start to see some of its long-term injuries nearing recoveries.

The only player who was in question to play against LSU who did not play was running back Damari Alston (shoulder). Alston’s injury came in the loss It did not appear Alston made the trip to face LSU. Alston wore a yellow non-contact jersey at practice during an open window to reporters on Tuesday.

At his press conference Monday, Freeze said “it doesn’t look good” for Alston, but did not say what his timeline looks like going forward.

Safety Jaylin Simpson (calf) played in the game Saturday night despite being less than 100%. Freeze hopes he can get closer to full health this week before playing Ole Miss.

Freeze also said he hopes to get good news “soon” on starting cornerback Keionte Scott (ankle) who has been out since the Samford game. Scott was seen practicing in the side indoor field last week with no boot on.

Linebacker Austin Keys (thumb) is nearing a return and got his cast off recently. He did have his cast on still during last week’s practice window, but was practicing in agility drills with his helmet on — though still separate from the rest of the team.

Freeze said he isn’t expecting Keys to be ready for this weekend, but he could be back soon.

Auburn is getting closer to full health after spending many weeks having its defense stretched thin by injuries. Others with smaller injuries including wide receivers Ja’Varrius Johnson and Malcolm Johnson Jr. were both able to play against LSU after going into the game as questionable.

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