Auburn has gone from possibly having the best stable of running backs in the SEC to having none at all.

With injuries at the position mounting, offensive coordinator Rhett Lashlee told reporters Sunday the coaching staff may move senior defensive back Rudy Ford to running back, where he started his career.

Kamryn Pettway, the SEC’s leading rusher, missed the No. 9 Tigers’ stunning loss at Georgia last Saturday. Lashlee didn’t sound to optimistic about Pettway’s chances to return against Alabama A&M this week.

“He hasn’t been ruled out,” Lashlee said. “We will have to see how he goes day-to-day. He’s making good strides. I really don’t know. Is it probably more likely that he is out? Yeah, but it’s also not ruled out.”

Kerryon Johnson, the original starter this season, got the bulk of the carries in Pettway’s absence, though he’s still dealing with an ankle injury he sustained in early October. Backups Stanton Truitt and Chandler Cox both suffered injuries against the Bulldogs.

That leaves true freshman Kam Martin as the only fully healthy running back. He has rushed 23 times for 144 yards and a touchdown this season.

So it’s no wonder Auburn’s coaches are thinking about utilizing Ford, a former 4-star running back who switched positions during fall camp of his freshman season.