Auburn running back Damari Alston ruled out for Saturday's game vs. Ball State

The Auburn Tigers will be down a key offensive weapon this Saturday when they face the Ball State Cardinals at Jordan-Hare Stadium.

Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze announced Thursday that premier running back Damari Alston will miss the Tigers' home opener on Saturday due to a shoulder injury. Freeze shared that Alston would be "questionable" for the game during his Monday press conference, and confirmed Thursday that he will miss Saturday's game.

Auburn will now look to junior Jeremiah Cobb to start in his place, while the door of opportunity opens for UConn transfer Durell Robinson and freshman Omar Mabson to earn valuable experience. Freeze told reporters Thursday that he is excited to see what Mabson can do in a live college game.

“He’s learning, I have zero worries about handing him a run play,” Freeze said of the freshman Mabson. “It’s just the other things that come with playing that position, in particular the pass [protection].”

Alston and Cobb produced similar numbers in last Friday's win at Baylor. Both carried the ball 16 times and both scored one touchdown each, with Alston holding the edge in yards with 84, compared to Cobb's 74. Robinson earned three yards on one carry while Mabson did not participate. For a team that rushed for over 300 yards in its season opener, Auburn is well prepared to handle any roadblock thrown its way.

Auburn faces Ball State on Saturday at 6:30 p.m. CT on ESPNU.

This article originally appeared on Auburn Wire: Auburn injury report: Damari Alston ruled out for Ball State game