Keys players on Auburn’s defense have missed some key practice sessions the past few days. Safety Derrick Moncrief and defensive lineman Devaroe Lawrence, two newcomers to the program, top a list of players that have lost some important practice time.

Moncrief missed one full practice and half of another because of an unknown illness and dehydration, defensive coordinator Ellis Johnson said on Thursday. Moncrief, a junior college transfer, came out of spring practice as the starter at boundary safety.

“When your doing this heavy installation (of packages) and you miss one practice, that is a lot of reps on new stuff that you have to catch up on and the train keeps moving,” said Johnson. “The day he came back, we are already moving on to new things.”

Lawrence missed two practices and Wednesday morning’s scrimmage with an undisclosed injury. Lawrence did not participate in spring practice after transferring from Georgia Military College. With three years of eligibility left, Lawrence figures to be part of the defensive line rotation at tackle.

Johnson said Thursday that he is being cautious with boundary cornerback Josh Holsey. The junior is coming off ACL surgery. Holsey wears a brace and is taking reps off when his knee is sore.

Fellow cornerback Trovon Reed has been on the sidelines since the first day the team was in pads. Johnson said Reed is suffering from a nagging injury.

During Wednesday’s scrimmage linebacker Khari Harding injured his wrist and was pulled after nine plays. Johnson said “the wrist is fine.”

On Thursday star safety Justin Garrett missed 10 to 15 minutes of practice with an inury. Johnson said that it isn’t serious.