Editor’s Note: Auburn coach Gus Malzahn told reporters Friday night that Duke Williams and Cassanova McKinzy are “running late,” but will be in Tampa, Fla., for the bowl game. Malzahn would not confirm that Williams will play in the game.

Auburn will apparently be without one of its top offensive weapons in the Outback Bowl. According to numerous reports Friday evening, wide receiver D’haquille Williams was not at the team banquet on Friday night and did not make the trip to Tampa, Fla., with the team. Auburn plays Wisconsin on January 1.

In his first season for Auburn, Williams was the Tigers’ leading receiver with 45 catches, 730 yards and five touchdowns. He suffered a knee injury late in the year, causing him to miss two games.

Williams has been a strong candidate to be one-and-done at Auburn after transferring from junior college before the season. If the rumors that he is not going to be with the team for the Outback Bowl are true, then Williams’ decision to turn pro will be an obvious one.

If Williams has indeed decided to turn pro, he could be preserving his health by choosing to sit out the bowl game. Malzahn is supposed to speak with the media after the team banquet on Friday, which could shed more light on the situation.