Auburn will be without four defenders who were key starters in the regular season during Saturday’s Music City Bowl against Maryland.

Defensive tackle Marcus Harris, cornerbacks and Nehemiah Pritchett and DJ James as well as safety Jaylin Simpson will all be out. Harris, Pritchett and James were all known to be opt-outs entering bowl week, though rumors of Simpson’s absence began to gain steam on Friday.

Safety Zion Puckett is dressed to play. He was also rumored to potentially be out for the game as well. Puckett has said he plans to enter the 2024 NFL Draft.

It’s not clear if Simpson was necessarily an opt-out. He’d been dealing with a hamstring injury in advance of the game.

On Auburn’s Tiger Talk radio show, head coach Hugh Freeze said it would be cornerback Keionte Scott “and the kids” in the secondary against Maryland, further implying Simpson and Puckett would not be available. It will be Scott, Puckett and the kids instead.

Auburn center Avery Jones is also out. He did not practice during a period of practice open to reporters on Wednesday.

Harris and the defensive backs have been significant contributors to Auburn this season. Harris and Simpson were both AP All-SEC first-team selections. Simpson led Auburn with four interceptions and Harris led Auburn with seven sacks.

Simpson, Harris, Pritchett and James all plan to enter the 2024 NFL Draft.

Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. The game will be broadcast on ABC.

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