The nicks and bruises are starting to pile up for Auburn five games into the 2018 college football season with several important players dealing with injury issues heading into the weekend trip to Mississippi State.

During his Tuesday media availability, Gus Malzahn listed off all the injuries the team is dealing with as they seek their second Southeastern Conference win of the season against a humbled Bulldog team. The two biggest questions for the majority of Auburn fans are with the status of running back freshman running back JaTarvious “Boobie” Whitlow and the status of the offensive line.

Starting with Whitlow, it appears the start of the week has been promising for the team’s leading rusher.

“A couple updates just from us, (Boobie) Whitlow and Jack Driscoll both went down with injuries Saturday, didn’t return,” Malzahn noted on Tuesday. “I’ll know more today, after practice about their status. I will note that all three are going to try their best to play and be a part but we’ll know more after practice.”

The news up front on the offensive line was even more promising, as it appears the Tigers will have plenty of options at tackle heading into the Mississippi State game. Considering MSU defensive end Montez Sweat led the SEC in sacks last season, Auburn could need all the help it can get containing a pass rusher of his caliber come Saturday.

“Bailey Sharp, Calvin Ashley and Austin Troxell will be ready to go at the tackle position,” Malzahn continued. “All of those guys we have confidence in. They’ve gotten a lot of reps in practice and scrimmages and all that goes along with that. Of course, tailback-wise, Kam Martin (Shaun) Shivers, Malik Martin, Asa Martin, if Whitlow can’t go, will be a part, be a factor.”