When it comes to the health of Carl Lawson, all of the signs are pointing toward the positive.
Lawson sustained a torn ACL during spring practice last year and, after some initial optimism, did not play at all in 2014. With the start of Auburn’s spring practice right around the corner, it appears that the defensive end will be nearly a full-go for the 15 sessions.
Nearly is the key word, though, as the Tigers are expected to take the cautious approach with the talented lineman.
"(The coaches) haven’t made those decisions. Our doctors will make those decisions,” new defensive coordinator Will Muschamp said according to the Columbus Ledger-Enquirer when asked how much Lawson will participate. “He’s moving around extremely well. We expect him to partake in a good bit of spring. How much will be determined by our doctors.”
Having a healthy Lawson to start the 2015 season would certainly be a boon for Muschamp’s defense. In 2013 as a true freshman, Lawson was third on the team with 7.5 tackles for loss and second in sacks with four. That performance led Lawson to being a consensus Freshman All-American.
The injury news along the Tigers’ defensive line wasn’t all positive, though, as Muschamp also acknowledged that end DaVonte Lambert will miss the whole of spring practice. Lambert was leading the Tigers defense in sacks when he sustained a season-ending knee injury that kept him out of both the Iron Bowl and the Outback Bowl.
The good news is that Muschamp stated that Lambert is expected to be completely healthy for the start of summer camp.
AU, incidentally, will kick off spring practice March 10.
