AUBURN AUTHORITY

Doctors clear Carl Lawson, could be limited in spring

James Crepea
Montgomery Advertiser
Carl Lawson's return is "up in the air," according to Gus Malzahn.

AUBURN -- Carl Lawson has been given the green light by doctors, but Will Muschamp may be giving the Tigers defensive end a yellow light during spring practice.

Auburn coach Gus Malzahn said Muschamp has a "good plan" for Lawson, who tore his ACL during last spring and had surgery nine months ago, when the Tigers hit the practice field next week.

"At this point right now, coach Muschamp's got a good plan." Malzahn said. "The doctors have cleared him ready to go but coach Muschamp will have a good plan on exactly how much he'll do."

Lawson, who had 20 tackles with 7 1/2 for loss and four sacks as a true freshman in 2013, returned to the practice field during Auburn's preparations for the Outback Bowl. He has not been available for interviews since the injury.

Auburn is also expecting offensive guard Alex Kozan, who missed last season with a back injury, to return in a limited capacity during spring practice.

"Alex Kozan will participate some in spring," Malzahn said. "I don't know exactly how much at this point but he will be a part. Somewhat."

Malzahn said, defensive end Keymiya Harrell, who also had ACL surgery last offseason, is the "same deal" as Kozan.