Gus Malzan confirmed Auburn fans’ fears Tuesday when he announced what’s been a possibility for more than a week.

Running back Kamryn Pettway, who is dealing with a fractured scapula, will miss the Alabama game this week. Pettway has missed the last three games because of the injury, which he suffered in the second half of Auburn’s 55-20 win against Arkansas.

On his radio show last week, Malzahn suggested that Auburn would “probably” be without Pettway in the Iron Bowl.

Pettway led the SEC in rushing yards per game last season. This season, he’s rushed for 305 yards and six touchdowns on 76 carries as he’s given way to Kerryon Johnson as the SEC’s top rusher this season.

It’s been a season of absences for Pettway, who was suspended for the season opener, and then missed the Clemson game because of plantar fasciitis.

Against Mercer, he injured his ankle in a game where he had 34 carries.