Aggies Starting WR Noah Thomas Out Against Auburn
Texas A&M will be without another starting receiver for a second consecutive week.
Sophomore Noah Thomas is not expected to play in Saturday's Southeastern Conference opener against Auburn. During pregame warmups, Thomas was seen on the sidelines in street clothes with his No. 3 jersey.
Last week, the Aggies (2-1, 0-0 SEC) were without leading receiver Evan Stewart in a 47-3 win over Louisiana-Monroe. Stewart is expected to play after working through pregame drills with the first-team offense.
Thomas, A&M's Offensive MVP of spring practice, has been the go-to target in the red zone of sophomore standout Conner Weigman. He scored three touchdowns in the season-opening win over New Mexico, and recorded his first 100-yard game in Week 2's loss to Miami.
Last week, Thomas left the game prior to halftime with an undisclosed injury. He's recorded 10 receptions for 112 yards and four touchdowns this fall.
Stewart's return should open up the passing attack against a resurged Auburn (3-0, 0-0 SEC) secondary led by first-year defensive coordinator Ron Roberts. In Thomas' place, A&M is expected to heavily target junior Jahadae Walker.
Walker, a transfer from Grand Valley State, filled in for Stewart as Weigman's new perimeter pass-catcher. He finished with a career-high five catches for 110 yards and a touchdown against the Warhawks, and totaled two catches of over 20-plus yards.
The Aggies are expected to have offensive lineman Bryce Foster and cornerback Tyreek Chappell, who both missed last week's matchup due to undisclosed injuries. A&M does have options at center following the emergence of sophomore Mark Nabou and Kam Dewberry.
