Following an injury to Boobee Whitlow, Auburn is forced to adjust to life without the team’s leading rusher in its backfield as the team is about to hit a stretch of four consecutive league games.

While the team is holding out hope Whitlow will return for the Georgia game (Nov. 16), Whitlow had knee surgery last week entering Auburn’s bye week and is expected to miss 4-6 weeks, there’s no chance Auburn’s leading rusher returns in time for Saturday’s trip to Arkansas.

Losing Whitlow is a big blow to Auburn’s offense, in his season and a half playing for the Tigers the sophomore has racked up 1,331 yards and 13 touchdowns in 19 career games, but the Tigers are blessed with a deep roster of tailbacks ready to step up for the next few weeks. With Whitlow out, look for experienced runners Shaun Shivers, Kam Martin and Malik Miller to get more touches for the Tigers.

During his Sunday evening media availability, Malzahn hit on that subject and mentioned freshman DJ Williams as someone that will be given some added looks heading into the upcoming matchup with the Razorbacks.

“We gave the guys pretty much equal reps for the most part, really just trying to get some continuity,” Malzahn said. “DJ Williams got a chance, of course, Kam Martin, he got an opportunity. Obviously, we know a lot about him.

“For the most part, we rotated all the running backs with the 1s and 2s and gave them equal reps in the off week, that was by design and you can never have enough depth at running back. It was good information tonight, did pretty much the same thing, we will narrow things down a little more specific on Tuesday. But the good thing is we feel good about all those guys.”

Considering the struggles Bo Nix has had on the road this season, there’s an excellent chance Auburn leans hard on the ground game this weekend in Fayetteville. The only question is which running back leads the way for the Tigers?