AUBURN, Alabama -- Auburn coach Gene Chizik says his offense is still looking for continuity, but the Tigers are going to have to search for it without their No. 2 receiver.

Chizik said Tuesday that Trovon Reed is out indefinitely and won't play against South Carolina on Saturday because of a bad shoulder, and that opens the door for true freshman Quan Bray.

Offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn said Bray will fit right in.

"He's got a great opportunity. He was real excited today in practice, was really locked in," Malzahn said. "He's got some play-making ability. He just needs experience, and he's going to get it this game."

It's a double loss for Auburn. Reed's 13 catches are second to Emory Blake's 16. Reed was also the punt returner. Bray will fill both roles Saturday.

But Auburn already has entrusted Bray with responsibilities. He has one catch and five carries, some as the Wildcat quarterback and some on reverses.

"Anything like that helps, that he's actually been on the field in the heat of the battle," Malzahn said. "Ball security -- you always worry about that with young guys, but he has done a solid job of that.

"I really don't think the moment is too big for him like it is for some freshmen. He's got a chance to be a very good player."

Quarterback Barrett Trotter says he's ready to throw to Bray.

"He's really quick, really shifty," Trotter said. "I'm anxious to get him out there and see what he can do with the ball a little more."

Blake says Bray is a worthy replacement.

"Quan's more than capable. He's been behind Trovon this whole year, and he's had a great mentor ahead of him," Blake said. "As long as he doesn't get the jitters and just plays the game the way he knows how, he'll be fine."

Auburn has already had to juggle its lineup this year. The Tigers changed their offensive line after the first game, tweaked their lineup the next weeks, and played without five starters in last Saturday's win over Florida Atlantic.

"Even going into this week, one of our receivers is not going to be available, so now you have a new guy there. It's execution of the offense," Chizik said.

Chizik, who typically does not talk in detail about injuries, did not go into specifics about when Reed might return.

"We're going to obviously monitor him week by week to see where he goes health-wise with his shoulder," he said.

And so it is that Auburn will press on and try to control the ball more.

"We've got to find a way to make more first downs," Malzahn said.

"Third down has been a big focus for us, and we improved somewhat from last week. But, we've got to keep improving on third down so we can stay on the field to develop that pace and get first downs. If we get first downs, we feel like that's an advantage for us with that pace. We just need to get more of them."