AUBURN AUTHORITY

Backup linebacker to be reinstated

James Crepea

Montgomery Advertiser

Tigers defensive coordinator Ellis Johnson said linebacker Anthony Swain "needs to play more."

DESTIN, Fla. -- There is finally a resolution to Anthony Swain's status with the Auburn football program.

After missing spring practice for unspecified reasons and being in limbo for the last month, the backup linebacker will be allowed to rejoin the team.

"He will be reinstated," Auburn coach Gus Malzahn said during the second day of SEC Media Days at the Sandestin Hilton on Wednesday. "He'll be back, probably Monday."

Malzahn put off a decision on Swain for some time but last week said there would be a resolution on the Tigers' fourth or fifth linebacker.

Swain is likely behind Cassanova McKinzy, Kris Frost, Kenny Flowers and Cameron Toney on the depth chart.

The junior from Gadsden made 26 tackles and recovered a fumble last season and was the subject in a controversial moment during the Arkansas game when he fell to the ground several seconds after the conclusion of the previous play.