The reports are true: reserve defensive end Dee Ford is out for the season after having back surgery.
Ford has surgery for a herniated disc, several websites reported last night. Head coach Gene Chizik never addressed Ford’s status this week, although to be fair, he was never specifically asked about Ford.
A school spokesman confirmed Thursday that Ford is out for the year.
Follow the blog on Twitter and Facebook.
The junior was a backup to Corey Lemonier at rush end but had been effective, with seven tackles, two tackles for a loss and a sack in three games.
Ford sat out the Florida Atlantic game with the injury. The junior hasn’t redshirted. Because he was injured in the first half of the season and played in less than 30 percent of Auburn’s games, he’s eligible for a medical redshirt.
He is the second rush end Auburn has lost for the year, joining redshirt freshman Justin Delaine. Redshirt freshman LaDarius Owens, a converted linebacker, is expected to fill Ford’s spot.