[Tuck4Bama]

AUBURN -- There was no apparent change in the Brad Lester soap opera Wednesday, and the running back's status remains in limbo only days before Auburn's season opener against Kansas State.

Lester was suspended for the Jan. 1 Cotton Bowl for reasons that he later blamed on "academics."

Auburn coach Tommy Tuberville said two weeks ago that Lester was in good standing and would play in the first game, but he appeared to backtrack Tuesday. Tuberville was again vague when asked about Lester's status after Wednesday's practice.

"He's our starter. If anything else happens, I'll let you know," Tuberville said.

Asked when Auburn will know whether Lester can play, Tuberville said, "We'll just have to wait and see how things work out."

A reporter asked whether Lester was looking at potentially missing one game, several games or even the full season, and Tuberville demurred again.

"Let's wait until after this weekend. We'll know a lot more then," he said.

Lester remains starter at tailback, Tuberville says- al.com