Alex Golesh clarifies Xavier Atkins 'not with' Auburn football this week

Auburn head coach Alex Golesh clarified on Wednesday that All-American linebacker Xavier Atkins is not participating in the team's practices. Golesh made this statement on Monday and reiterated that Atkins is not with the team at present when asked again two days later. The Tigers will be without Atkins for their upcoming game against No. 1 Georgia on Saturday, October 17 (2:30 p.m. CT, ESPN).

Atkins had received two preseason All-America nods and four All-SEC honors during the season. In five games, he accumulated 37 total tackles, 7½ tackles for loss, and 3 sacks. He also had 3 quarterback hurries and an interception. Prior to transferring to Auburn from LSU his freshman year, Atkins played 34 snaps for the Tigers and led the team in tackles (84), tackles for loss (17), and sacks (9). He also set the SEC record for tackles for loss.