Washington's leading receiver to miss Auburn game, per coach Chris Petersen

The Auburn Tigers face a tough opponent right off the bat in Week 1, as they take on the Washington Huskies in Atlanta.

However, the Huskies will be without one of their most-talented offensive players, as TE Hunter Bryant will miss the game after having offseason knee surgery.

Washington coach Chris Petersen confirmed the news on Wednesday afternoon, according to reporter Adam Jude:

Chris Petersen confirms, as previously reported in @SeaTimesSports, that standout TE Hunter Bryant has had knee surgery. Petersen hopeful Bryant might be able to return late in the season but no sure thing.

— Adam Jude (@A_Jude) July 25, 2018

Bryant had 22 catches for 331 yards and a touchdown in nine games last season, but he was expected to play a bigger role for the offense.

The Huskies still have plenty of talent on that side of the ball, so the Auburn defense will still have plenty of work to do to prepare.