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Auburn quarterback Payton Thorne still nursing throwing shoulder injury – Winnipeg Free Press
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Auburn quarterback Payton Thorne still nursing throwing shoulder injury – Winnipeg Free Press

AUBURN, Ala. (AP) — The status of Auburn quarterback Payton Thorne is uncertain for Saturday’s game against Louisiana-Monroe.

Tigers coach Hugh Freeze said Thorne did not practice on Opening Day last week after injuring his right shoulder in a loss to Vanderbilt and that he was still not completely healed.

“Not as far as I had hoped with the shoulder,” Freeze said Wednesday. “He thinks everything will be fine. But he definitely wasn’t ready to play (Tuesday).


Auburn quarterback Payton Thorne throws a pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Vanderbilt, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, in Auburn, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Auburn quarterback Payton Thorne throws a pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Vanderbilt, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, in Auburn, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)

Thorne passed for 1,825 yards with 13 touchdowns against seven interceptions. But he was benched for Hank Brown after being picked off four times in a loss to California.

Thorne is backed up by Brown — who was replaced by Thorne after being picked off three times in the first half against Arkansas — and freshman Walker White. Freeze was evasive earlier in the week when asked about any potential quarterback changes in terms of health or performance.

“We’ll see how this week goes, and with the others who have reps – and go from there,” he said. “That certainly doesn’t mean I don’t think he’s played pretty solidly here lately. You start to see the big picture.

“It’s not always the easiest thing to do because you love your players, you want what’s best for all of them and what gives us the best chance of winning the remaining three games. Obviously , we will begin to see how his health is above all.