D'haquille Williams a game-time decision for Iron Bowl

AUBURN -- D'haquille Williams will be a game-time decision for Saturday's Iron Bowl, according to Auburn coach Gus Malzahn.

Auburn's top wide receiver has missed the last two games with a sprained right MCL he suffered in the second quarter against Texas A&M.

"We're still hoping Duke is able to play Saturday," Malzahn said during the Tiger Talk radio program. "He's still day-to-day. Hopefully he'll be able to go."

Malzahn said it "looks like" it will be a game-time decision for Williams, who leads Auburn with 38 receptions with 609 yards and five touchdowns, but a source with knowledge of the situation said Williams will play.

"He's doing fine," the source said. "He will be ready this weekend, no doubt. ... He's ready for Bama."

Williams returned to practice last week and, according to a source, could have played against Samford. He was on the sideline but did not dress.

The loss of Williams, who has not been available for interviews since the injury, was particularly evident on third downs. He has 15 receptions for 246 yards, including 13 first downs, and three touchdowns on third downs this season.

"He's been a big part of our offense, I think everybody knows that," Malzahn said. "He's an impact player. He's very good on third down. He's a playmaker. So anytime you lose a guy like that it definitely takes a while to get accustomed to everything else."

Nick Marshall was intercepted and took four losses on third downs against Samford. Auburn was also without Ricardo Louis against Samford due to an undisclosed injury.