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South Carolina linebacker Skai Moore recovers an onside kick from Auburn defensive back Jermaine Whitehead during the second half Saturday, Oct. 25, 2014, at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. (Julie Bennett/ jbennett@al.com)

AUBURN, Alabama -- Auburn's secondary has struggled the past two games, allowing more than 750 yards in wins over South Carolina and Ole Miss.

Jermaine Whitehead, the senior field safety who has 28 starts in his career, is back on the team, but it's not likely that he's the answer in the secondary.

Whitehead is not an option to return to the defense soon.

"Not at this time," Tigers defensive coordinator Ellis Johnson said.

Whitehead is playing on special teams, particularly on kickoff return, but after serving a four-game suspension, he has not returned to the defense in two games back.

The senior safety was suspended following a verbal altercation with the coaches, but no details have been revealed further than that.

Without Whitehead, the Tigers have rotated veteran Joshua Holsey with Rudy Ford and Derrick Moncrief, a pair of players in their first seasons as key contributors.

Auburn busted several coverages against the Rebels as Bo Wallace rolled up 362 yards through the air.

"The biggest thing this game were some busted assignment on explosive plays," "We've just got to get some communication cleaned up back there. Whitehead has been out of the lineup. That's the most age and experience and some of the younger guys are just going to have to get more consistent."