AUBURN | After holding him out the Arkansas game with an ankle injury, Gus Malzahn is more confident Kerryon Johnson will be ready to return for this Saturday’s game at Ole Miss.

“At this point, I would expect him to play,” Malzahn said. “I think he's moving closer to 100 percent each day. After today's practice, I'll be able to confirm.”

Auburn’s running game has managed to excel without Johnson, who was injured in the first quarter at Mississippi State Oct. 8.

Kamryn Pettway rushed for 169 yards and three touchdowns against the Bulldogs and 192 yards and two touchdowns against the Razorbacks. Converted wide receiver Stanton Truitt rushed for 78 yards and two touchdowns and true freshman Kam Martin had a 51-yard touchdown against the Razorbacks.

“I thought it was a really good thing moving forward, that we had the guys that we had step up and just do a super job, running the football, protecting the football. So we have some depth at that position,” Malzahn said.

“That's a good problem to have. Take it back to 2013 when we had that crew of running backs that we had. Coach Lashlee can be a little more creative at times with personnel but it's good that we've got that many running backs or really even explosive players that we have.”

Malzahn also updated the status of several other injured players. Safety Nick Ruffin was held out of the Arkansas game with an undisclosed injury.

“It’s kind of like Kerryon Johnson, today in practice we’ll see him,” Malzahn said. “He didn’t have to play and anytime you’re able to do that and try to get completely healthy instead of just playing them.”

Malzahn does not expect cornerbacks Jamel Dean or Jeremiah Dinson to return this season. Dean injured his knee during preseason practice and underwent surgery. Dinson suffered knee and shoulder injuries at Texas A&M last season.

“It doesn't look like (Dinson) is going to (play),” Malzahn said. “But he's an outstanding player. Give him a few more months, get him to spring, and get him back 100 percent.

“Same thing (with Dean). It'll be this spring. Get him back in the mix, and those are two outstanding football players that we don't have right now.”