Bo Nix provides injury update, status of return to Auburn

Auburn quarterback Bo Nix will watch today’s Iron Bowl from the sidelines, but it may not be his last time at the big rivalry game. 

Nix spoke with CBS sideline reporter Jamie Erdahl ahead of the game against Alabama and provided an update on his injury and a potential return to Auburn next year.

“I’m doing great,” Nix said. “I did have surgery last Monday after the Mississippi State game and looking good, like it’s going to recover well. Great doctors, great physicians that are taking care of me. It shouldn’t be too long until I’m back getting going and running around again.”

The three-year starter threw for 2,294 yards with 11 touchdowns and three interceptions this season before the injury. He also ran for four scores. 

“Well we’ll see,” Nix said when asked if he would be back for another Iron Bowl. “I’m going to enjoy this one today and hopefully recover soon and I’ll make that decision later.”

Nix is 1-1 in Iron Bowls. He won’t his first appearance in 2019 in a 48-45 thrilled in Jordan-Hare Stadium. Alabama won in 2020 on their way to a national championship.

Finley makes first Iron Bowl start

In Nix’s absence, LSU transfer TJ Finley made his first Iron Bowl start on Saturday.

Nix took a moment to comment on his teammate’s tall task while speaking with Erdahl.

“You just gotta stay in the moment, not let it get too big for you at the beginning,” Nix said. “Everybody’s first one you can let it get super hype, but you just gotta settle down and continue to play four quarters.”

After one quarter, Finley is 5-for-9 with 38 yards. Auburn’s longest play of the game was a 22-yard completion to John Samuel Shenker.

Finley struggled last week in his start against a very good South Carolina defense, as the offense never clicked for the Tigers. Auburn fell 21-17 in Columbia, and Finley was 17-for-32 with 188 yards and one touchdown.

The game is tied 0-0 after almost 15 minutes.