Jackson Arnold injury update: Hugh Freeze explains why Auburn QB missed A-Day

Auburn took the field on Saturday for the school’s spring showcase, putting on a show for the fans on hand for the annual event. However, there was one notable absence from the Tigers’ lineup.

Transfer quarterback Jackson Arnold was on the sideline instead of on the field after reportedly suffering a minor leg injury on practice Thursday. After the scrimmage, head coach Hugh Freeze said he felt there was no need to play him and risk further damage.

“I thought he had a really solid spring and he’s feeling fine. He just didn’t need to run today and risk. There’s no defect in the hamstring,” Freeze said. “You certainly don’t want to create one with one day left going into an offseason that he needs to be ready to go. No need in risking that. Same thing with Eric Singleton Jr. So, I thought he had a solid spring. I love the way he is poised in the pocket.

“His eyes are downfield. He uses his legs when he needs to. He’s got a strong enough arm to make every throw. I’m excited about and optimistic about both he and Deuce’s springs.”

With Arnold limited, Deuce Knight was given an opportunity to showcase his talent to his coaches, and the fans inside Jordan-Hare Stadium. While Freeze was critical of the young QB’s performance, the Auburn coach admitted a couple of his interceptions were uncharacteristic. He also praised Knight’s ability to stay poised in a collapsing pocket, and his ability to give his teammates a chance to make a play on potential 50-50 balls downfield.

“That’s the great thing about him,” Freeze said. “After every play, man, he’s giving you feedback. I thought he made some really nice throws … I thought it was a solid day for him. He’ll look at the film and there’ll be things that he wish he would have done differently, but it’s nothing like that experience for him to help prepare him for the fall.”

Despite Knight’s status as a five-star recruit, Arnold is the presumed starter this fall although nothing is set in stone. He just needs to get healthy. After all, the former Oklahoma Sooners QB has a year of experience starting in the SEC, and transferred to Auburn not long after entering the transfer portal after the 2024 season.

The Tigers will open up the regular season on Friday, Aug. 29 against Baylor in Waco. Arnold will hope to be healthy for the highly-anticipated SEC opener three weeks later — on the road at his former school, Oklahoma.