Auburn defensive end Carl Lawson had successful ACL surgery in early May on his left knee. Head coach Gus Malzahn made the announcement Monday at SEC Media Days in Hoover, Alabama.

“Also I’d like to update the status of Carl Lawson, our defensive end,” Malzahn said. “I’d like to confirm that Carl had successful ACL surgery the first part of May. He injured his knee the last week of spring practice. Dr. Andrews looked at it, wanted to wait a couple weeks till the swelling went down to be sure. He confirmed he needed surgery. It was successful.
Carl is working extremely hard and he’s determined to come back towards the end of this year.”

The extent of Lawson’s injury had not be known to this point only that it was knee surgery.

Malzahn did not give a timetable for the sophomore’s return, although he mentioned ‘towards the end of the year’, but it would seem highly unlikely that he’ll be able to play at all in the upcoming season.

Lawson, a freshman All-America last year, was expected to replace Dee Ford at defensive end after Ford was drafted No. 23 overall in April’s NFL Draft.