Auburn starters D'haquille Williams, McKinzy 'running late' to Outback Bowl

Published Dec. 27, 2014 5:50 a.m. ET

foxsports

Auburn's leading wide receiver D'haquille Williams and second-leading tackler Cassanova McKinzy did not join the team Friday when the Tigers reported to Tampa for the Outback Bowl. Tigers coach Gus Malzahn told reporters that both players are "just running late."

Williams missed two games earlier this season with a sprained MCL but returned to catch seven passes for 121 yards in the Iron Bowl vs. Alabama. AL.com reported that Williams missed the Tigers' first week of bowl practices with what Malzahn termed an "illness." The coach would not elaborate on what the illness was when asked on Friday, and it's unclear whether Williams will play in Thursday's game vs. Wisconsin.

Both Williams and McKinzy are weighing whether to enter the NFL Draft. Williams saw his draft stock rise after his standout performance against Alabama. McKinzy requested a round grade from the NFL Draft Advisory Board earlier this month, AL.com reported. The linebacker leads the team with 10 tackles for loss.

Auburn begins its game week preparations on Sunday.