After using just one true running back in the run game last week at Clemson, Auburn plans to flex its depth at the position this weekend against Mercer.

While Auburn coach Gus Malzahn said Tuesday he expected starter Kamryn Pettway (heel) to be available this weekend, and junior Kerryon Johnson is "day-to-day" with a hamstring injury, the fifth-year coach is likely to get some of Auburn's less experienced running backs opportunities out of the backfield against the Bears on Saturday at 3 p.m.

"Those other guys will be ready to go," Malzahn said Wednesday during the SEC coaches teleconference. "Kam Martin and Malik (Miller), both of those guys are ready to go if called upon. I think both of them will do a good job once they get in."

Neither Martin nor Miller recorded a carry last weekend against Clemson as Auburn tried to lean on a less-than-100 percent Pettway out of the backfield. Pettway finished with 22 carries for 74 yards while playing through plantar fasciitis.

"I think he played pretty good the other night," offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey said. "He played through it pretty good. I don't think it's anything that's going to linger too long."

Despite Pettway not being at full strength and Johnson being out for the game against Clemson, Auburn did not utilize its other healthy running backs. Martin finished the game with one reception for 5 yards and Auburn all but abandoned the run in the second half; the team had 16 recorded run plays after halftime, but seven of those were sacks on quarterback Jarrett Stidham.

"First of all the Pettway deal, he's a veteran back and when you play a big game, we were wanting to get him the ball," Malzahn said Tuesday. "That was part of that. Obviously looking back, we could have been more patient with the run. We thought there were some things there in the passing game but obviously we didn't get it done there. As a coach you look back and you try to correct the things moving forward in the same type situations."

Martin's absence from the gameplan was particularly peculiar given his performance the week prior against Georgia Southern, when he entered the game following Johnson's injury and rushed for 136 yards and a touchdown. Miller saw three carries late against Georgia Southern and finished with 15 yards on the ground in his first action since a knee injury early last season against ULM.

With Johnson day-to-day and the team likely to be cautious with Pettway in a tune-up game against an FCS opponent, it's likely both Martin and Miller will have featured roles this weekend against Mercer.

Last time Martin faced an FCS team, he had the best outing of his career. He rushed for 176 yards and two scores on 21 carries during last year's win against Alabama A&M.

"I think both of them will do a good job once they get in," Malzahn said.