Chad Slade missed Auburn’s practice on Monday because he had to return home for personal reasons. According to coach Gus Malzahn, the senior offensive lineman had to return to attend a funeral.
“He had to go home for a funeral with his family,” Malzahn said during the Outback Bowl coaches’ press conference Monday. “He won’t be here today, but he’ll return tonight.”
Slade first indicated on his personal Twitter account he would leave Tampa, Fla., to make the trip home.
Hailing from Moody, Ala., Slade has started every game this season. In his four years with the Tigers, he has made 48 career starts, including 45 consecutively.