Don't expect much to change personnel-wise on Auburn's offensive line this week.

Darius James, who left last week's game with a neck injury, took part in Tuesday's practice without contact, according to coach Gus Malzahn.

If James, who started all three games at right tackle this season, is healthy enough to return then Auburn's starting offensive line should look the same as it has all season. If James can't go, then Casey Dunn will likely remain at center and Austin Golson will be at right tackle.

"What you'll probably see if Darius can't play is something very similar to the way the game (against Mercer) ended late," Malzahn said. "But we're hopeful that Darius will be back and I think we'll know more probably (Wednesday)."

Dunn, an All-American at Jacksonville State, said he had "a lot of things to clean up" from his Auburn debut.

Offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey felt the graduate transfer did "some good stuff" in having to jump in the game suddenly.

"He had a couple (missed assignments), but I thought he did a nice job handling the communication up front and getting the snap, listening to the quarterback," Lindsey said. "You always worry about that, but I thought it went great. I think we got some flexibility there to hopefully improve our O-line as we go."

While the offensive line performed better statistically against Mercer than in the previous two games, much of that can be attributed to the quality of opponent.

The change in game day coaching locations for Lindsey, who moved to the press box, and offensive line coach Herb Hand moving to the sideline was also a difference.

"I think it was a good decision," Lindsey said. "I think Herb enjoyed it. I think it's going to continue to improve for us."

Auburn allowed three tackles for loss with one sack against Mercer but still ranks near the bottom of the sport in tackles for loss and sacks allowed.

Malzahn said some of the offensive line's struggles this season have been surprising but emphasized the lack of experience on the left side and James' move to a new position as causes.

"We do have two new starters and then one of our starters is playing a different position," Malzahn said. "So it does take some time, but I still feel that we do have that quality depth. I think you saw a little bit of that with Casey Dunn getting in the game and then we had to move our center to right tackle."