Auburn Injury Report: A Positive Sign for Saturday’s Game with Oklahoma

As the Auburn Tigers gear up for their SEC opener against the Oklahoma Sooners on September 28, 2025, head coach Hugh Freeze has provided a promising update on the team’s injury status. Coming off a 31-15 victory over South Alabama, Auburn faced a challenging start to the 2025 season with multiple players sidelined or injured. However, the latest reports indicate that the Tigers are trending toward a healthier roster, with only one player listed as a significant concern for the upcoming game. This article delves into the details of Auburn’s injury report, the recovery progress of key players, and the implications for their matchup against Oklahoma, providing a comprehensive overview of the team’s health and readiness.

Auburn’s Injury Landscape Entering Week 5

The Auburn Tigers have had a busy training room through the first three weeks of the 2025 season. Their Week 3 win over South Alabama left them with a lengthy injury list, raising concerns about their depth as they prepare for the rigors of SEC play. Injuries to key players across multiple positions—running backs, wide receivers, defensive backs, and defensive linemen—have tested the team’s resilience. However, Coach Freeze’s Monday press conference brought encouraging news, with most injured players expected to make significant progress before Saturday’s game at Jordan-Hare Stadium.

The only player listed as a major concern is defensive end Amaris Williams, who suffered a separated shoulder during the South Alabama game. According to Freeze, Williams’ shoulder was successfully popped back into place post-game, but his availability depends on the level of soreness and swelling he experiences during the week. This injury is particularly significant as Williams is a key component of Auburn’s defensive front, and his potential absence could impact their ability to pressure Oklahoma’s quarterback.

Key Players Expected to Return

Several Auburn players who were either held out or injured during the South Alabama game are expected to return for the Oklahoma matchup, assuming their practice sessions go smoothly. This is a critical development for the Tigers, as a healthier roster will be essential to compete against a talented Oklahoma team, despite the Sooners’ own injury challenges. Below is a breakdown of the key players expected to bolster Auburn’s lineup:

Damari Alston (Running Back)

Damari Alston, Auburn’s starting running back, missed the last two games after sustaining a shoulder injury in the season-opening win against Baylor, where he rushed for 84 yards and a touchdown. Freeze confirmed that Alston was medically cleared to play against South Alabama but was held out as a precaution. The coaching staff is optimistic about his return for the Oklahoma game, which would provide a significant boost to Auburn’s running game. Alston’s ability to break tackles and gain tough yards will be crucial against Oklahoma’s defense, which has shown vulnerabilities against the run.

Champ Anthony (Safety)

Safety Champ Anthony suffered a broken thumb in the Baylor game, requiring surgery. Like Alston, he was medically cleared for the South Alabama game but did not play. Freeze indicated that Anthony is on track to return for the SEC opener, assuming no setbacks in practice. His presence in the secondary will be vital, especially as Oklahoma is expected to lean on its passing game with freshman quarterback Michael Hawkins making his first career start. Anthony’s experience and physicality could help Auburn contain Oklahoma’s receivers, particularly if Keontez Lewis returns for the Sooners.

Malcolm Simmons (Wide Receiver)

Wide receiver Malcolm Simmons missed the South Alabama game due to a shoulder injury but is expected to be back for Oklahoma. Simmons provides depth and versatility to Auburn’s receiving corps, which will be critical as the Tigers look to exploit Oklahoma’s depleted secondary. With the Sooners listing five wide receivers as out, Auburn’s passing game, led by quarterback Payton Thorne, could find opportunities to stretch the field if Simmons and others are at full strength.

Eric Singleton Jr. (Wide Receiver)

Starting wide receiver Eric Singleton Jr. exited the South Alabama game in the second half with a hip pointer. Despite the injury, Freeze expressed optimism about Singleton’s availability, noting that the injury is not expected to keep him out. Singleton’s speed and playmaking ability are central to Auburn’s offensive strategy, and his return would provide a reliable target for Thorne against an Oklahoma defense missing key players.

Jay Crawford (Cornerback)

Cornerback Jay Crawford left the South Alabama game in the first half after banging knees with another player. Freeze downplayed the severity of the injury, suggesting Crawford is likely to play against Oklahoma. His return would strengthen Auburn’s secondary, which will face a challenging task in containing Oklahoma’s passing attack, even with the Sooners’ receiver injuries.

Rayshawn Pleasant (Cornerback)

Cornerback Rayshawn Pleasant sat out the South Alabama game with an undisclosed injury, but Freeze indicated that it is not a major concern. Pleasant is expected to practice and should be available for the Oklahoma game, adding depth to a secondary that will need to be sharp against Oklahoma’s mobile quarterback and play-action schemes.

Additional Injury Notes

In addition to the players mentioned above, Auburn’s final injury report lists three players as officially out for the Oklahoma game: defensive backs Tyler Scott and Champ Anthony, and tight end Brandon Frazier. While Freeze had initially suggested Anthony might play, the final SEC availability report confirms his absence, which is a blow to the secondary.

Three other players—defensive lineman Isaiah Rakes, kicker Alex McPherson, and offensive lineman Izavion Miller—are listed as questionable. Their status will likely be determined closer to game time, with updates provided in the final SEC injury report 90 minutes before kickoff.

One notable absence not directly related to the Oklahoma game is running back Durell Robinson, who suffered a “freak injury” after the Ball State game. According to a post on X, Robinson woke up with a collection of blood in his thigh, requiring an incision to relieve it. He is out indefinitely, which further underscores the importance of Alston’s return to the backfield.

Depth Adjustments Without Amaris Williams

If Amaris Williams is unable to play, Auburn will need to rely on its depth along the defensive line. Freeze highlighted linebacker Jared Smith as a likely candidate to see increased snaps in Williams’ absence. Additionally, Chris Murray is expected to contribute more significantly. The Tigers will need to generate pressure on Oklahoma’s quarterback to disrupt their offensive rhythm, especially given Oklahoma’s injury issues at wide receiver. Without Williams, Auburn’s ability to stop the run and contain dual-threat quarterback Michael Hawkins could be tested.

Oklahoma’s Injury Challenges

While Auburn’s injury report is relatively positive, Oklahoma is facing a much more significant challenge. The Sooners have listed 11 players as out for the game, including five wide receivers (Jayden Gibson, Jalil Farooq, Nic Anderson, Andrel Anthony, and Deion Burks), running back Taylor Tatum, defensive backs Kendel Dolby and Gentry Williams, linebacker Dasan McCullough, offensive lineman Geirean Hatchett, and kicker Tyler Keltner.

Oklahoma coach Brent Venables expressed hope earlier in the week that wide receiver Keontez Lewis, who suffered a concussion against Temple, might return, but he was not listed as available in the final report. The absence of so many key contributors, particularly at wide receiver, could limit Oklahoma’s offensive options and give Auburn’s secondary a chance to dominate. However, the Sooners’ decision to start freshman quarterback Michael Hawkins, who replaced Jackson Arnold after a loss to Tennessee, adds an element of unpredictability.

Strategic Implications for Auburn

The relatively positive injury report gives Auburn a strategic advantage heading into Saturday’s game. With most of their key players expected to return, the Tigers can focus on executing their game plan without significant adjustments for missing personnel. Offensively, Auburn will likely lean on a balanced attack, with Alston’s return bolstering the running game and Singleton and Simmons providing reliable targets for Thorne in the passing game. Defensively, the Tigers’ secondary, even without Anthony and Scott, should benefit from the return of Crawford and Pleasant, allowing them to match up against Oklahoma’s depleted receiving corps.

The primary concern remains the defensive line, where Williams’ status is uncertain. Auburn will need to generate pressure on Hawkins to limit his mobility and force him into uncomfortable passing situations. If Williams is unable to play, players like Jared Smith and Chris Murray will need to step up to maintain Auburn’s defensive intensity.

The Bigger Picture

Auburn’s ability to get healthy at this critical juncture of the season is a positive sign for their SEC aspirations. After a mixed start to the 2025 campaign, including a loss that dropped them to No. 22 in the rankings, the Tigers are looking to build momentum in their first SEC game. Facing an Oklahoma team that is also coming off a loss to Tennessee, Auburn has an opportunity to capitalize on their opponent’s injury woes and make a statement at home.

Coach Freeze’s optimistic update reflects a team that is resilient and adaptable, qualities that will be essential as they navigate the challenging SEC schedule. The return of key players like Alston, Singleton, and Crawford, combined with the potential for others to step up in the absence of Williams, positions Auburn well for a competitive performance.

As Auburn prepares to host Oklahoma on September 28, 2025, the injury report offers a largely positive outlook. With only defensive end Amaris Williams listed as a significant concern and several key players expected to return, the Tigers are poised to field a nearly full-strength roster. This is a stark contrast to Oklahoma, which will be without 11 players, including five wide receivers. Auburn’s coaching staff will need to carefully manage their depth, particularly on the defensive line, but the return of players like Damari Alston, Eric Singleton Jr., and Jay Crawford provides a strong foundation for success. As the Tigers aim to kick off SEC play with a win, their improved health could be the key to securing a crucial victory at Jordan-Hare Stadium.