Auburn EDGE JJ Faulk Set to Miss Entire Regular Season After Collarbone Surgery
The Auburn Tigers have suffered a significant setback on the defensive side of the ball with promising edge rusher JJ Faulk expected to miss the entire 2026 regular season after undergoing surgery for a collarbone injury.
Auburn head coach Alex Golesh confirmed the disappointing news following the Tigers’ preseason scrimmage on Wednesday. Faulk sustained the injury during practice earlier in the week and subsequently required a procedure. Golesh indicated that the team hopes the young defender could potentially return around the end of November or in December, but the current expectation is that he will not be available during the regular season.
The injury represents a frustrating setback for a player who had been making significant progress during the offseason. Faulk entered the year hoping to earn a larger role on Auburn’s defense after seeing limited action as a freshman.
The Highland Home, Alabama, product appeared in only three games during the 2025 season and recorded four tackles along with one tackle for loss. Despite his limited playing time, the coaching staff had been encouraged by his development and physical growth heading into the new campaign.
Faulk added considerable size during the offseason and is now listed by Auburn at 6-foot-3 and 260 pounds. His increased strength, combined with his athletic ability, had positioned him as an intriguing young option along the Tigers’ defensive front.
The timing of the injury is particularly unfortunate because Faulk was reportedly showing improvement during preseason camp. Auburn had hoped his continued development would give the defense another reliable pass-rushing option as the team prepared for the challenges of the 2026 season.
Golesh expressed sympathy for Faulk, emphasizing how hard the young player had worked to put himself in position to contribute. The coach also left open the possibility of a return late in the season, depending on how the recovery progresses.
For Auburn, however, the immediate concern is finding ways to replace Faulk’s snaps and maintain depth at the edge position.
The Tigers still have several players capable of helping fill the void. Da’Shawn Womack is among the experienced options on Auburn’s current roster. The senior edge rusher transferred to Auburn after playing at Ole Miss and previously spent time at LSU. Auburn lists him at 6-foot-5 and 265 pounds, giving the Tigers a substantial presence on the edge.
Nate Johnson and Joe Phillips are also listed among Auburn’s edge options, while other defensive players could see their responsibilities increase as the coaching staff adjusts to Faulk’s absence.
The loss of Faulk is especially notable because Auburn is attempting to build greater depth and consistency on defense. The Tigers will need several players to step forward if they want to avoid the injury disrupting their defensive plans.
For Faulk personally, the priority now shifts toward rehabilitation and recovery. Although missing the regular season will be disappointing, a potential late-November or December return could still give him an opportunity to rejoin his teammates if Auburn reaches postseason play.
For now, Auburn will have to move forward without one of its promising young defensive players. The Tigers’ coaching staff will be watching the development of the remaining edge rushers closely as the season approaches.
Faulk’s injury is undoubtedly a tough blow, but Auburn has depth available and will hope the next group of defenders can take advantage of the opportunity created by his absence.
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