AUBURN, Ala. ― Auburn impact defender Carl Lawson will return to practice Tuesday and could play in Saturday's game against Ole Miss, coach Gus Malzahn said at his weekly press conference.
"That should give our guys a lift," Malzahn said.
Malzahn stopped short of saying Lawson would play in Saturday's game, but said it was a good sign that his defender is back on track.
"He's excitied to be back there for his team," Malzahn said.
Lawson, known for his pass rushing abilities, hasn't played since injuring his hip in the first half of the season-opener. He missed the 2014 season following knee surgery.
Lawson, a defensive end by trade, moved to the Buck linebacker position this season for defensive coordinator Will Muschamp. The move was short-lived because of the injury.
Malzahn had called Lawson "unblockable" in a scrimmage in August. Lawson's season was put on hold after he made four tackles in the first quarter in the Sept. 5 opener against Louisville. Lawson has 24 career tackles, 9½ of them for a loss.