Auburn Suspends All-American Atkins for Georgia Game

Auburn will be without All-American linebacker Xavier Atkins for Saturday’s road game against No. 1 Georgia, coach Alex Golesh said, declining to explain the absence and saying the team will reassess next week. Atkins has 37 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, three sacks and an interception this season. Elijah Melendez is expected to lead the linebackers, while Bryce Deas and De’Marcus Riddick are likely to take on expanded roles; Golesh praised their progress, particularly Riddick’s return from a shoulder injury.