As Fall Camp begins, Hugh Freeze gives an injury update for the Auburn Tigers.

Hugh Freeze, opening his third fall camp as head coach of the Auburn Tigers, offered an injury update that revealed a relatively clean overall injury picture but did note a handful of players who will be limited at the outset. At the same time, Freeze carried with him his own serious health issue—having been diagnosed with an early‑stage prostate cancer earlier in the year, though that would take a back seat to football at camp’s opening (Reuters).

With cameras rolling and media crowds gathered, Freeze was visibly optimistic about both the team’s health and his own vigor as he addressed reporters following the first full pad scrimmage. “I feel as good for this camp as I probably have in years,” Freeze remarked, underscoring that though the cancer diagnosis was real and would require surgery in January, he wasn’t letting it distract from the task at hand (CBSSports.com).

On the injury front, the most significant news came via disclosure of Auburn’s only long‑term absence: freshman cornerback Devin Williams suffered a torn ACL during spring training and will be sidelined for the foreseeable future. That ACL tear appears to be the lone injury that will keep a player out for the duration of fall camp (Yardbarker).

Returnees with recent injuries were addressed in detail. Champ Anthony, the cornerback who broke his leg in the first quarter of a 2024 game against Arkansas, was cleared to return to full participation after missing much of last season. Freeze confirmed Anthony is back in team activities and available for any drills Auburn needs him for (Yardbarker).

Running back Jeremiah Cobb fractured a finger earlier in the summer. Freeze said Cobb would be wearing a cast initially and would be limited during the earliest practices, but the expectation is that the injury will fully heal as camp progresses. He’ll be designated in a yellow jersey to indicate the restriction (Yardbarker). Fellow running back Durell Robinson, a transfer from UConn, is also limited early but “really, really close” to full health according to Freeze, suggesting that his status may rapidly evolve as camp continues (Yardbarker).

Offensive playmakers Brian Battie and Jyaire Shorter also saw their status addressed. Battie will practice but with reduced reps, carrying over from foot surgery earlier in the offseason. Freeze acknowledged concerns about the timing of Battie’s surgery, stating, “I wish I felt a little better about his surgery … I want it faster,” while affirming that Battie will go through gradual participation (SI). Shorter, after transferring from North Texas, will also practice—though Auburn will “manage him some” for now, ensuring his reps are capped until he’s fully acclimated and healthy (SI).

Freeze further confirmed that wide receiver Malcolm Simmons, who had legal issues earlier in the summer, is cleared to resume team activities and participate fully in fall camp (Athlon Sports).

During the early scrimmage, Freeze also offered updates on other positions. He mentioned that several wide receivers—Camden Brown, Koy Moore, Ja’Varrius Johnson and Malcolm Johnson Jr.—have dealt with injuries that have hampered their participation. Among these, Brown appears to carry the most concerning setbacks, having not practiced since Freeze’s arrival. Moore is sidelined with an ankle injury, Johnson has a non‑significant shoulder injury, and another Johnson is recovering from facial surgery requiring stitches, which makes wearing a chin strap uncomfortable but is expected to resolve quickly (oanow.com).

At linebacker, Wesley Steiner has been limited all camp long by a hamstring issue, while Ole Miss transfer Austin Keys also has a shoulder injury. Both injuries are considered minor and not projected to limit season availability (oanow.com).

Meanwhile young tight end Hollis Davidson III is participating in practice wearing cleats and has begun team work, albeit limited. He remains in that status for now, with the expectation that his involvement will increase over time (Yardbarker).

Kicker Alex McPherson has had a remarkable journey. In 2024 he suffered from ulcerative colitis and required surgery to remove his large intestine, limiting him to only one game that season. By late spring and early summer, Freeze reported that McPherson has progressed significantly in health and weight—and though not cleared for field activity at camp’s start, he’s immersed in meetings and appears likely to rejoin physical drills soon. Auburn views him as likely ready by season opener barring setbacks (Wikipedia).

Backing up the offensive line, changes this season were not discussed in injury terms, but Freeze reiterated confidence in projected starters Jeremiah Wright and Kameron Stutts, both healthy and expected to compete for starting guard roles. Backup center Tate Johnson is healed from an elbow injury and fully available, while offensive tackle Xavier Chaplin, a Virginia Tech transfer, has settled in and is assumed to be ready unless unreported hindrances emerge (SI).

Freeze made broader comments about roster depth and readiness: aside from the few yellow‑jersey players and one long‑term injury, “everybody else is participating,” he said. He emphasized the importance of rotating players to preserve physical health, and stressed gratitude—for opportunity, life, and the chance to coach—amid a program that must remain physically bruising to compete in the SEC while avoiding further setbacks (Yardbarker, auburnwire.usatoday.com).

Taken all together, Auburn enters fall camp with good health at most positions, though with caution flags around key contributors. Williams’ torn ACL rules him out long term. Cobb, Robinson, Battie, Shorter, McPherson, and Davidson are limited or monitored but expected to ramp up. Several receivers and linebackers have had small injuries that restricted scrimmage participation but are largely inconsequential in the bigger picture. The overall optimism stems from depth and availability, which Freeze sees as critical to improving on last year’s 5–7 finish and pushing the Tigers toward competitiveness in the SEC West in 2025 (Reuters, Yardbarker, Athlon Sports).

Off the field, Freeze’s personal health remains something he addresses with transparency but without distraction. Diagnosed in February with early‑stage prostate cancer, Freeze has delayed surgery until January, relying on medical monitoring, natural remedies suggested by his wife, and an affirming message that his energy is high and his health relatively stable at camp’s start (Reuters).

In summary, as Fall Camp begins, the Auburn Tigers are largely healthy, with a few key players limited but expected back soon. The serious long‑term concern is limited to one ACL injury. Coach Freeze, despite his own health challenges, is upbeat about the roster’s fitness and depth. He sees the ability to rotate bodies—especially at key skill positions—as vital to navigating the rigors of training camp and preparing for a season in which health and execution may determine whether Auburn can finally break through and deliver a winning campaign.