AUBURN AUTHORITY

D'haquille Williams, Ricardo Louis sit out Samford game

James Crepea

Montgomery Advertiser

Auburn wide receiver D'haquille Williams (1) catches a pass as Mississippi defensive back Trae Elston (7) hits him during the NCAA football game between Auburn and Mississippi at University of Mississippi in Oxford, Miss., on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2014.

AUBURN -- Wide receivers D'haquille Williams (right knee) and Ricardo Louis were on the sideline but did not dress for Auburn against Samford on Saturday.

Williams dressed for Wednesday's practice and was "day-to-day" leading into the game. He has not played since reportedly spraining his MCL during the second quarter against Texas A&M.

Auburn coach Gus Malzahn reiterated optimism for the return of Williams, who leads Auburn with 38 receptions with 609 yards and five touchdowns, for the Iron Bowl.

"We are hoping so," Malzahn said. "I am not ready to make that call yet, but we are hopeful."

It was unclear why Louis, who had 18 catches for 189 yards and two touchdowns with 15 carries for 179 yards and a touchdown, was out but Malzahn said it was health related.

"We held him out. We definitely want to try to get him healthy," Malzahn said. "Any time you hold a guy out, there's reasons, and hopefully he will be back healthy."