Auburn starting safety suspended for Clemson game

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AUBURN | Stephen Roberts is out for at least the first game.

The junior safety was suspended by Gus Malzahn following an arrest last week and will not play in Saturday’s season-opener against No. 2 Clemson.

“His suspension will be week to week and we’ll see how he responds,” Malzahn said.

Senior Rudy Ford and junior Tray Matthews are listed as the starting safeties on Auburn’s official depth chart released Tuesday with junior Nick Ruffin and sophomore Markell Boston as the backups.

Ford was also listed as the starting nickel. Seniors Joshua Holsey or T.J. Davis could also figure into the safety or nickel positions against Clemson.

Roberts was arrested last Wednesday for attempting to elude a police officer and possessing an unlicensed firearm.

Roberts started the final four games of last season finishing with 26 tackles and three pass breakups.

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