Injury news moves at a little slower place under Gus Malzahn at Auburn than it does at most other places.
That fact became evident on Monday when Malzahn revealed at SEC Football Media Days that defensive end Carl Lawson had indeed undergone successful ACL reconstruction surgery — in early May.
Auburn beat reporters said they knew only that it had been rumored the star defensive end from Alpharetta had injured his knee the week of the Tigers’ spring game. Lawson did not appear in the April 19 intrasquad scrimmage known as the A-Game and no official updates have been provided since.
“I’d like to confirm that Carl had successful ACL surgery the first part of May,” Malzahn said, as if it were breaking news. “He injured his knee the last week of spring practice. Dr. (James) Andrews looked at it, wanted to wait a couple of weeks until the swelling went down to be sure. He confirmed he needed surgery. It was successful.”
It’s not like the 6-foot-2, 261-pound sophomore is a bit player. Once rated the No. 2 defensive end prospect in the country behind Mississippi’s Robert Nkemdiche, Lawson was expected to start at one of the Tigers’ end positions this fall. As it is, Auburn remains hopeful he might be able to come back sometime toward the middle or late season.
“Any time you lose a guy that talented, you know, it hurts your team,” said senior defensive tackle Gabe Wright. “The worst part about it was it was so late in the spring. You can question whether he should’ve been out there. I was out there, (Angelo) Blackson was out there, the rest of the seniors were out there. So it was nothing unusual. But that’s what hurts the most, though. It was probably two or three practices before we go play A-day and all this would’ve been over. But I believe everything happens for a reason. Carl’s a hard worker and nothing’s on his mind now but getting back out there.”
