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Auburn defensive lineman DaVonte Lambert suffers an injury during the first half Saturday, Nov. 22, 2014, at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. (Julie Bennett/ jbennett@al.com)

AUBURN, Alabama -- Auburn's defensive line will be missing two key components on Saturday in the Iron Bowl.

Defensive end DaVonte Lambert is out for the season after suffering an injury to his left knee, according to Tigers coach Gus Malzahn.

Tackle Jeff Whitaker, who has missed the last two games, will also miss the Iron Bowl, but Malzahn said the rest of the Tigers are expected to play on Saturday.

"DaVonte Lambert will not play," Malzahn said. "He had surgery today and will miss the rest of the season."

In Lambert's place, Auburn will likely ask Gabe Wright to play both defensive end and tackle against Alabama, Ellis Johnson said on Sunday. Wright will also have to play tackle to keep the Tigers' rotation inside intact. Auburn has played four defensive tackles regularly this season.

But the Tigers' offense will be at full strength.

Auburn expects D'haquille Williams, who has missed two games with a sprained MCL in his right knee, to return, along with Ricardo Louis and Robensen Therezie, who missed all or most of the Samford game due to injuries.

"We expect everybody else to play," Malzahn said.