10/18 at 09:20 PM

Jared Cooper’s playing career at Auburn appears to be over.

Cooper, the fifth-year senior from Brewton, who worked his way into the Tigers’ starting left guard spot this year, underwent surgery Monday and will be out for the rest of the season, head coach Gene Chizik said Tuesday.

Cooper injured himself against Arkansas and sat out last week’s win over Florida on the sidelines with a boot on his right foot and crutches to help him get around.

“I hate it,” Chizik said. “You talk about a guy who’s paid his dues and been through a lot. Here he is finally getting enough playing time where he can have a comfort level. He was just at that point where he was really starting to feel good, feel confident, and unfortunately this happens.”

Chizik said the team would try and see if Cooper can rehab fast enough to take part in the bowl game, but his expectation is the senior is out for the year.

Redshirt freshman Chad Slade will take his place. Slade filled in for Cooper at the end of the Arkansas game and started last week.

Left guard is the third position Slade has played for the Tigers this year: He started the first game at right tackle and has also played right guard.

“It’s real tough to see his year end like that,” Slade said. “He’s put in his time, knowing that he’s a hard worker. For me, I looked up to him. Seeing him go down was tough for me, but I’ve got to fill in his spot, I’ve got to take his place, finish what he wanted me to finish.”

More attrition at end
Chizik said freshman defensive end LaDarius Owens is “going to be out for a good long time” with a right foot injury.

Owens joins Dee Ford (back) and Justin Delaine (knee) — who are both out for the year — as Auburn quick ends that have been shelved for extended periods with injuries.

Chizik said freshman defensive lineman Devaunte Sigler is moving to end this week to shore up the Tigers’ depth — opening up more playing time for freshman Gabe Wright on the interior — and sophomore Craig Sanders’ versatility will be crucial on Auburn’s front.

“Craig Sanders is the iron man,” Chizik said. “He’s played both sides and Craig is a guy that can do that. We rely on Craig Sanders a good bit. It is what it is with the injury situation and we will keep continuing to figure out ways to deal with it.”

Mason ‘perfect’
Freshman running back Tre Mason said his hamstring was feeling good enough to run on against Florida on Saturday, but he was held out for precautionary reasons.

Tuesday, Auburn’s leading kick returner felt “perfect.”

“I was so anxious. I really wanted to get on the field (against Florida),” Mason said. “But I knew it wasn’t the best situation for me.

“I really wanted to play, but it wasn’t a good idea. I wouldn’t be healthy today if I did.”

Robenson Therezie and Onterio McCalebb returned kicks in Mason’s place, but he expects to resume his regular role against LSU.

“I feel 100 percent,” Mason said. “I can’t wait for this game.”

‘50-50’
Chizik said receivers Emory Blake and Trovon Reed are both have a “50-50” chance of playing against LSU on Saturday.

Blake, a junior and the Tigers’ leading receiver, injured his right ankle in the third quarter against South Carolina, sat out the Arkansas game and was used sparingly in the second half against Florida, not recording a catch.

Reed, a redshirt freshman and Auburn’s starting punt returner, injured his shoulder on a return against Florida Atlantic and has sat out the past three games.

“I’m not overly optimistic with either one of them, but we’ll see where they are at,” Chizik said.