Auburn’s Marshall Questionable, Johnson To Start?

Auburn Tigers quarterback Nick Marshall runs the ball past the Ole Miss defense for a touchdown in the second quarter at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Shanna Lockwood-USA TODAY Sports

Auburn coach Gus Malzahn said Thursday on his weekly call-in radio show that there has been no determination on whether QB Nick Marshall will be able to play this week against Western Carolina.

All week, there have been message board rumors that Marshall might have injured his knee worse than expected during the fourth quarter of the Ole Miss game.

Malzahn, for his part, said Marshall’s injury is not serious.

However, Marshall has not practiced this week, leaving QBs Jonathan Wallace and true freshman Jeremy Johnson to receive the bulk of the first-team reps.

Now  speculation around Auburn is that Johnson, who has not yet appeared in a game this year, might get his first career start.

Johnson, Mr. Football in Alabama last year, was the one of the final two players left in the quarterback competition this fall. Ultimately Marshall won the position.

Officially, Wallace has been second on the Tigers’ depth chart. However, some have speculated that in the event of a serious injury, Johnson – not Wallace – would take the reins of the offense.

Auburn fans might find out Saturday afternoon when the Tigers take the field against their FCS opponent.

Rivals.com rated Johnson as the No. 5 pro-style quarterback in the nation.

Through the first five games, Marshall has completed 71 of 120 passes for 902 yards. He has thrown 4 TDs and 4 INTs. Marshall also rushed for a season-high 140 yards and 2 TDs last week in Auburn’s win over Ole Miss.