Backup H-back injured, out indefinitely

AUBURN -- The methods Auburn will use to replace Jay Prosch got a little bit more difficult as backup H-back Gage Batten is out indefinitely due to injury.

"Gage got hurt," Auburn coach Gus Malzahn confirmed Tuesday. "I can't say right now he's done for the season but he did have an injury."

Inside the Auburn Tigers first reported Batten's injury on Sunday.

Batten, a 6-foot 242 pound sophomore, saw action in six games last season. He was the primary backup to Prosch and expected keep the backup role behind Brandon Fulse this fall.

C.J. Uzomah has taken reps primarily at tight end during fall camp, but could be used at H-back in a pinch.

Malzahn mentioned freshmen Chris Laye and Jakell Mitchell and walk-ons Kyle Sitzler, Hunter Wood and Patrick Young as potential candidates should Fulse or Uzomah miss any time.

"We've really gave all those guys a lot of reps today," Malzahn said. "Gage was kind of that kind guy that we had a lot of confidence because he had reps. He got to play some last year; but really he got all the practice reps and you all know that's a pretty unique position for us.

"But we're hoping he gets back. Gage is a tough guy. He's a tough guy, he's a team player, he's a hard-working guy, brings a lot of edge to our team."