Auburn's injury status improving

By BY JOHN ADAMS adamsj@knoxnews.com

Originally published 08:48 p.m., September 23, 2008
Updated 08:48 p.m., September 23, 2008

AUBURN, Ala. — Auburn looked healthier after Tuesday’s practice than it did after last Saturday’s loss to LSU.

Several Auburn players left the LSU game with injuries, but coach Tommy Tuberville said they would be ready to play Saturday against Tennessee. That includes running back Brad Lester, who suffered injuries in each of the last two games.

Lester, who has rushed for 174 yards in four games, suffered a neck injury against Mississippi State and exited the LSU game with an injured knee. The knee was only sprained, according to Tuberville.

“He was out there running around (at practice Tuesday),” Tuberville said. “He was sore.”

Sophomore linebacker Craig Stevens said he “rolled” his ankle but would be OK for Saturday.

“It was a tough, physical game,” Tuberville said of the 26-21 loss to LSU. “This game (against UT) will be physical.

“We’ve got a little depth. It’s kind of chipping away.”

Auburn lost three players to injuries in preseason. Starting cornerback Aairon Savage was lost for the season with a knee injury.

Longer Practices: Tuberville said Sunday’s and Tuesday’s practice were longer this week than last. Auburn takes Mondays off.

“Guys start sagging around this time of year,” Tuberville said in regard to the extra work. “But they understand the significance of this game.”

Slow Running: When Tuberville went to a spread offense, he didn’t mean for Auburn’s running attack to drop to Saturday’s level. Auburn managed only 70 yards against LSU.

“You won’t win a game in this league rushing for 70 yards,” Tuberville said. “The defense on the other side usually has something to say about that. We didn’t sustain blocks as long as we would like.”

Extra Points: Auburn has outscored its four opponents 48-3 in the first half. … The Tigers have won 17 of their last 23 games decided by seven points or fewer. … Auburn’s Don Dunn, who coaches defensive tackles and nose guards, was a UT graduate assistant coach from 1983-84. He was an assistant coach at Holston High School from 1977-79.