Auburn football: H-back Gage Batten injured, status for season uncertain

AUBURN, Ala. — Auburn H-back Gage Batten is injured and is out for an unknown period of time.

Gus Malzahn confirmed the injury following Tuesday's scrimmage at Jordan-Hare Stadium.

"Gage got hurt," Auburn's coach said. "I can’t say right now he’s done for the season, but he did have an injury and I’ll keep you updated as it goes."

Batten, a third-year sophomore, had been backing up Brandon Fulse and C.J. Uzomah at H-back as the Tigers attempt to replace Jay Prosch.

With Batten's status for the coming season uncertain, Malzahn said it opens the door for a number of other players.

"(True freshman) Chris Laye, we have two walk-ons, (Kyle Sitzler) and (Hunter) Wood, that’s in the mix right there," he said. "Patrick Young is an old guy that has a lot of reps, a veteran guy, similar to Gage. And (there is true freshman) Jakell Mitchell. We really gave all those guys a lot of reps today."

Hailing from Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., Batten took part in six games last year after redshirting in 2012. And with Prosch now playing for the Houston Texans, the Tigers were expecting Batten to take on a bigger role in 2014.

"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," Malzahn said. "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 (and he) brings a lot of edge to our team."

This story was originally published August 12, 2014 at 2:28 PM with the headline "Auburn football: H-back Gage Batten injured, status for season uncertain."