Diego Pavia injury update: Clark Lea reveals Vanderbilt QB's practice level ahead of Auburn game

Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia got a little shaken up last weekend in the Commodores’ 27-24 loss to Texas. Limping to the sideline during the second quarter after being tackled on a scramble play before re-entering the game later in the drive and closing things out the ball game.

Pavia did not appear on Vanderbilt’s injury report this week, but his health status was still being monitored throughout the week. Which led to head coach Clark Lea being asked if Pavia has been a full participant in practice following his trip to the injury tent last weekend.

“He has,” Lea said. “We’ve tried to put some restrictions on him but usually that doesn’t work. He wants to practice and he wants to play, so he comes out and goes to work. He’s been fine.”

Pavia has been known for his toughness, taking his fair share of hits this season as the leading passer and rusher in Vanderbilt’s option attack. Throwing for 1,534 yards and 13 touchdowns along with 134 carries for 537 yards and four touchdowns on the ground.

Utah transfer Nate Johnson took over for Pavia last Saturday when he missed a few plays with his injury. A role he’ll be ready to step into again this weekend against Auburn in a game where Pavia is expected to be under center.

“Obviously we’ve just got to pay attention as the game goes,” Lea added. “I mean it’s just a physical game, it’s a tough defense. Nate’s gonna be ready, but we have full faith that Diego’s gonna be out there rolling, doing his thing.”

Pavia is plenty familiar with Auburn and their head coach Hugh Freeze. Leading New Mexico State to a 31-10 upset win over Auburn last year in Jordan-Hare Stadium and defeating Freeze’s Liberty team 49-14 the previous season with the Aggies. As he’ll look to lead the Commodores to a signature win at Auburn this weekend and secure the program bowl eligibility for the first time since 2018.