Auburn defensive end Byron Cowart was rushed in for an emergency appendectomy on Wednesday, Auburn head coach Gus Malzahn announced today.
There were early reports suggesting Cowart, a sophomore, will be out for the remainder of the season as a result of the surgery, but Malzahn did not comment on the status for the defensive end for the long-term.
Cowart has recorded six tackles and forced a fumble in backup duty off the Auburn bench this season. Cowart was one of the nation’s top-rated players out of high school.
While updating the status of Cowart, Malzahn also said there is no decision on the availability of quarterback Sean White for this weekend’s game against Alabama A&M. White has been banged up and passed for just 27 yards last week in a road loss at Georgia. Malzahn has also ruled out running back Kamryn Pettway for this weekend’s game. Of course, as rough as Auburn’s offense has looked, the Tigers should still manage to score a victory this week against Alabama A&M.
Next week against Alabama, however, should be a much different story. The Crimson Tide have already locked up the SEC West Division crown and are heading to Atlanta and can still probably afford one loss without jeopardizing their playoff chances, but Alabama will look to finish the regular season on a strong note against rival Auburn in the Iron Bowl.