Jeffrey Whitaker injury: Auburn DT 'out for a while'

Auburn defensive tackle Jeffrey Whitaker, who had been set to start against Washington State, missed the Tigers' 31-24 win over the Cougars with an injury. After the game, head coach Gus Malzahn said Whitaker will be "out for a while."

"Jeff's going to be out for a while. He had a procedure done last week and so he wasn't able to play and we'll see when he gets back."

Whitaker has been the subject of a hot message board rumor over the past couple of days. Those who claim to be in the know have said Whitaker recently had his knee scoped and that he will miss 3-4 weeks. Based on on Malzahn's postgame comment, that appears to be the case.

Gabe Wright started in place of Whitaker, and true freshman Montravius Adams saw an increased amount of playing time. In fact, Adams was Auburn's best defensive lineman all night. Angelo Blackson was the other starting defensive tackle.

Whitaker, a senior who is listed at 6'4 and 310 pounds, missed three games last season with an undisclosed injury. He finished the year with 12 tackles, two quarterback hurries, one tackle for loss and one-half sack. That was a step back from 2011, when he recorded 25 tackles, three QB hurries, two tackles for loss and a forced fumble.

More from College and Magnolia:

• Auburn 31, Washington State 24: Initial thoughts on the Tigers' win
• Auburn DT Jeffrey Whitaker not starting; out with an injury?
• College football TV schedule, Week 1: All the games, times and channels
• Auburn vs. Washington State preview: Time to turn the page on 2012
• SEC football preview, Week 1