roster for Citrus Bowl uncertain

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Auburn’s roster for Citrus Bowl uncertain

By Giana Han

3-4 minutes

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Auburn wide receiver Anthony Schwartz (1) is tripped by Alabama defensive back Malachi Moore (13) during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 28, 2020, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (Mickey Welsh/The Montgomery Advertiser via AP)AP

Wide receiver Anthony Schwartz and running back Mark-Anthony Richards will not be available for the Citrus Bowl. Beyond that, it’s been “touch and go” as Auburn figures out who will be able to play Friday, Auburn defensive coordinator and interim coach Kevin Steele said.

After Schwartz didn’t participate in the first three bowl practices, he was expected to opt out. Safety Jamien Sherwood and nickleback Christian Tutt were also expected to opt out, although Steele implied Sherwood’s decision was made because of an injury. Tutt was also recently injured. All three are upperclassmen and eligible for the NFL draft.

Richards, who was the fourth running back behind Tank Bigsby, Shaun Shivers and D.J. Williams, entered the transfer portal Dec. 16.

Beyond that, Steele said he was going to take more of an “NFL approach” and not say exactly who was out to keep the opponent from strategizing around Auburn’s injuries. However, there are clearly more than four who are questionable because Steele said they have guys who are dealing with “regular football injuries” as well as those who are out because of COVID-19 protocols. He’s not sure if Dr. Mike Goodlett will clear them before the game. He declined to share the numbers because he said he didn’t have them memorized and didn’t want to spread “misinformation.

Offensive coordinator Chad Morris then revealed that Bigsby, Auburn’s No. 1 running back, is also questionable.

“We’re hoping,” Morris said when asked if Bigsby would be available for the game. He added that Bigsby has the ability to “make a lot of things right” when he has the football in his hands and that he has a bright future ahead of him. Auburn “will see Friday” if Bigsby is playing.

Morris also said that with Schwartz out, Eli Stove will see a lot more playing time. The younger wide receivers will also have the chance to step up. On the other end of the field, Auburn’s young defensive backs may also get a chance because Steele described the secondary as “beat up.”

“We’ve had guys in and out of practice,” Steele said. “It’s going to be a little bit mix and match and we possibly may get some of those guys. We may not get them back. It’s kind of touch and go in terms of what we will have.”