Keldric Faulk Cleared to Play Against Alabama, Confirms DJ Durkin

Auburn University’s star defensive end, Keldric Faulk, will be available for the highly anticipated rivalry game against Alabama this Saturday. Interim coach DJ Durkin confirmed Faulk’s status following his absence from the second half of last weekend’s match against Mercer, where the Tigers dominated with a score of 62-17.

Faulk sustained a minor injury during the first defensive series of the game against Mercer, receiving medical attention on the sidelines. After halftime, he was seen without his pads, raising concerns about his availability for the upcoming showdown. Durkin, however, reassured fans, stating, “He’ll be ready to go. He just got dinged up a little bit, and we made a decision at that point in that game where we didn’t need him to keep playing based on the situation.”

Despite missing the second half, Faulk has had an impactful season, recording a total of 26 tackles, including five tackles for loss and two sacks. His performance has made him a key player on Auburn’s defensive line and a focal point in opposing teams’ scouting reports. As the season progresses, Faulk is projected to enter the 2026 NFL Draft as a top-10 pick, as highlighted during Auburn’s senior day activities.

The first Southeastern Conference (SEC) injury reports will be released on Wednesday evening, providing updates on player statuses leading up to Saturday’s kickoff. Durkin expressed confidence in the overall health of the team, stating, “No concerns. We definitely had a couple of guys get banged up, but I think everyone will be good for the week right now.”

With less than a week to go before one of college football’s most storied rivalries unfolds, Auburn fans can look forward to seeing Faulk back on the field, bolstering their defensive efforts against Alabama. As the game approaches, both teams prepare for what promises to be a thrilling encounter filled with energy and high stakes.