Auburn edge Eku Leota will miss the remainder of the season after injury suffered against LSU
AUBURN – Eku Leota will miss the remainder of the football season after suffering a torn pectoral muscle against LSU. Auburn head coach Bryan Harsin confirmed the news during his Monday press conference.
Leota injured himself reaching for LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels in the first half. Leota rushed the passer and reached with his right arm, as Daniels slipped through the attempted tackle. Leota’s momentum and weight carried him one direction, while his arm remained grasping for Daniels.
“Eku is a big loss. He’s a leader,” Harsin said.
Leota left the game and finally returned in street clothes and arm in a sling.
The former Northwestern transfer was having the best season of his career through five games.
According to Pro Football Focus, Leota has four sacks and 18 quarterback pressures on the season. Both place Leota inside the top 31 of all college football defenders in terms of sacks and/or pressure.
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Auburn’s adjustment plan
The Tigers’ official depth chart didn’t list the second edge position on Monday. Instead, the depth chart listed Derick Hall at edge, Colby Wooden at defensive end, Marcus Harris at defensive tackle and Jayson Jones at nose tackle as the starting front line.
Western Kentucky transfer Marcus Bragg was Leota’s backup and played 61 snaps against LSU. Bragg is now listed as Wooden’s backup at defensive end, or Morris Joseph Jr.. If Auburn continues to run their traditional 3-4 defense, Bragg would be the likely candidate to play edge opposite Hall. Redshirt freshman Dylan Brooks will be Auburn’s third edge off the bench.
