Gus Malzahn says DE Carl Lawson out for 'extended period' with hip injury

— -- Auburn will be without top pass-rusher and defensive leader  Carl Lawson for longer than expected.

The defensive end injured his hip in the Week 1 win over Louisville, and head coach Gus Malzahn said Tuesday that Lawson will be out for "an extended period of time."

Lawson missed all of last season with a torn ACL but was healthy for this season before suffering the hip injury.

"Obviously, he's an impact player," Malzahn said. "It's been really tough on him, especially going through last season and then having another [injury]. He's a great competitor, and he's going to do everything he can in his power to get back on the field."

Malzahn didn't say when Lawson would be back but added that the Tigers hope he can return before the season ends.

"We're just trying to encourage him," Malzahn said. "He'll work extremely hard to get back. He'll do everything in his power to get back before the end of the year. We'll just see where that goes."

Sophomore Raashed Kennion is listed behind Lawson on the depth chart, but freshmen Byron Cowart and Jeffery Holland should also see more reps in Lawson's absence.

Auburn will host Mississippi State on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. ET.