Davis returns to practice

Fans wanting to see Auburn's new passing attack will be in luck on A-Day Saturday at 2 p.m. ET. Coach Tommy Tuberville said on Thursday that he plans to feature the passing game with QBs Chris Todd and Kodi Burns, while using the running backs sparingly.

RB Brad Lester has been the only back to stay healthy throughout the spring. Ben Tate and Tristan Davis have been injured. Both are expected to play in the A-Day game, but look for the passing to be the main game.

Said Tuberville, "Saturday's game will be more of an aerial day, throwing the ball, trying to keep our backs a little healthier. We still have a lot to do to evaluate our quarterbacks, receivers, defensive backs and linebackers."

Online stories:

Coming Saturday in the Ledger: A preview of Auburn's A-Day game.
3/26: Todd, Burns step to forefront in QB race.
3/25: AD Jay Jacobs answers questions for several Ledger writers.
3/19: LB Merrill Johnson healthy and running with ones.

Davis back

• RB Tristan Davis was back at practice after bruising his foot the first week. He's been snake-bit when it comes to that injury. He said he bruised his foot on the same spot he injured it last year. Davis went through individual drills, but not team work. He said he's waiting on a protective shell to wear in his shoe.
  Says Davis, "It’s frustrating, but it comes with it. As a running back, we all get stepped on a lot. It’s just unfortunate that I had an injury that was where if it got stepped on again, it was going to hurt worse than anybody else getting stepped on. I’ve just got to learn how to deal with it."
• Also spotted in practice doing individual drills with a cast on his broken hand is DT Jake Ricks.
• Tuberville said DE Antonio Coleman will not return for Auburn's last three practices. He said the doctors wanted to hold him out for precautionary reason.

Going East

Tuberville talked a bit about going on that trip to the Middle East with Mark Richt, Randy Shannon, Charlie Weis and Jack Siedlecki.
Tuberville said, "They called about two months ago and they've been trying to put this together. I feel like everybody should do their part. I don't know if it will help at all, but we're going to some hospitals and bases. I think it will be a unique trip for all of us. I don't know if they will get anything out of it, but it will help us in terms of understanding a little more about what's going on."

Practice hits

• Tuberville said the Tigers will practice in helmets and shorts, their final required shorts workout, on Friday leading into A-Day.
• Todd looked solid during team work, with his best throw, perhaps, coming off a great pump fake. Todd's pump fake sold CB Walt McFadden, who was duped on the stop-and-go. Todd then lofted a pretty strike to WR Montez Billings in the end zone.
• LB Chris Evans leveled Tate on a toss sweep.
• Burns had a nice throw on the run, connecting about 15 yards downfield with WR Quindarius Carr.
• OC Tony Franklin said he had a good chat with QB Neil Caudle about him being declared third string and given few snaps.
  Said Franklin, "We had a great conversation. He's an Auburn guy. He loves AUburn. He's a student first, which is what you're supposed to be. He's in the major he wants to be in. He knows what he wants to do in life and he wants to be a quarterback, too. He's a team guy and he understood that I had to pick somebody. I just had to make a decision to try to give the other guys reps. In all honestly, it was a feel thing as much as it was anything. He's as good as any kid I've been around."
• PK Wes Byrum hit 3-of-4 kicks during Thursday's practice, but got an earful of coach Eddie Gran when he missed the second kick, a 35-yarder from the middle of the field. Gran was yelling at Byrum to concentrate and focus. He responded with makes from 40 and 42 yards. He started the session by making from 30 yards.

The Tigers practice at 5 p.m. ET on Friday. Check back here for more updates!