Alex McPherson won’t kick in Auburn season opener Saturday against Alabama A&M, Hugh Freeze confirmed during the SEC coaches weekly media teleconference Wednesday.

Freshman kicker Towns McGough will handle kicking duties during McPherson’s absence, according to Freeze.

“[McPherson] will not be ready to play this Saturday. So, Towns will handle our kicking duties, both kickoff and field goal, extra points, but we do feel positive about where Alex is trending,” Freeze said.

McPherson missed most of fall camp, dealing with a gastrointestinal illness that Freeze first revealed in July.

Freeze said during his Monday press conference that McPherson has started kicking again, but didn’t provide an exact timetable on when he is expected to return to game action.