Auburn is going to need some receivers to step up early in the season as the Tigers will be without a pair of playmakers on offense.

Will Hastings and Eli Stove both have torn ACLs, suffered during the program’s latest spring camp, hurting the depth of the Tigers’ wide receiver corps entering the 2018 season.

At SEC Media Days in Atlanta on Thursday, Malzahn commented on both wide receivers, first noting that he expects Hastings to be back this season.

“He’s off to a very good start. His rehab is going excellent,” Malzahn said. “We’re hoping we get him back by the middle of the season. Last year, he had a great season. He’s one of our go-to guys. He’s an impact player.”

Hastings sustained the injury during Auburn’s first spring scrimmage in March. He started at slot receiver last season, notching 26 catches for 525 yards and four touchdowns.

Stove also tore his ACL in March, his injury occurring during the Tigers’ final practice before spring break. He is also expected to return at some point during the season.

“Those are two tough blows,” Malzahn said. “We need other receivers to step up in their absence until we get them back.”