Former Auburn linebacker Owen Pappoe won’t play in the upcoming Reese’s Senior Bowl due to injury, executive director Jim Nagy confirmed Friday.

Pappoe’s withdrawal leaves fellow linebackers Etu Leota and Derick Hall as the Tigers’ representatives in the annual college football all-star game and NFL draft showcase, set for Feb. 4 at Mobile’s Hancock Whitney Stadium. Pappoe’s exit was “disappointing,” Nagy said.

“Owen’s not going to be able to come, unfortunately,” Nagy said in an appearance on Mobile’s SportsTalk 99.5 FM. “I felt like he needed it [to participate in Senior Bowl week]. Everyone knows that Owen can run. … But coming down here, I thought he could help himself in coverage and in the interviews. The guys up at Auburn rave about his intelligence, his football acumen and his work ethic.

“That was a disappointing one. I know he was dealing with some sort of injury. He just wanted to be 100% full-go for the combine.”

Pappoe, a former 5-star recruit, totaled a team-best 91 tackles, along with three tackles for loss and an interception in 12 games. However, he has reportedly been dealing with a shoulder injury in recent weeks.

Pappoe’s injury won’t require surgery, according to reports. He is expected to participate in the NFL Combine and Auburn’s Pro Day, leading into the April 27-29 NFL draft.

• The Senior Bowl has largely filled its 2023 rosters, though one quarterback slot remains open. TCU’s Max Duggan, Houston’s Clayton Tune, Fresno State’s Jake Haener, BYU’s Jaren Hall and Shepherd’s Tyson Bagent are already confirmed for the game.

The last spot could go to Stetson Bennett, quarterback at two-time national champion Georgia. However, Nagy said because of the tragic car accident that killed Bulldogs offensive lineman Devin Willock (and injured fellow Senior Bowl candidate Warren McClendon) last weekend, game officials have not yet extended a formal invitation to Bennett.

“We’re just trying to be really sensitive to that,” Nagy said. “I believe the (funeral) services are (Saturday), so we’re not going to announce anything until they’re able to grieve the loss of their teammate, and in Warren’s case, the loss of his roommate. So that’s where we’re at with the quarterback thing.”

Bennett passed for 4,127 yards and 27 touchdowns in 2022, and also rushed for 10 scores. He threw for 304 yards and four touchdowns and ran for two more in the Bulldogs’ 65-7 victory over TCU in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game.

Kickoff for the 2023 Reese’s Senior Bowl is set for 1:30 p.m. on Feb. 4, with TV coverage via NFL Network. For ticket information, visit SeniorBowl.com/tickets.