Jarrett Stidham will miss at least four of Auburn's spring practices following offseason surgery on his left shoulder.

Auburn coach Gus Malzahn said Stidham, who had what the program characterized as a "minor procedure" last month, likely won't begin practicing until after spring break. Sophomore backup Malik Willis and freshman early enrollee Joey Gatewood will get all the reps with the first and second teams in the meanwhile.

"At this point, it looks like he probably will not start participating until after spring break," Malzahn said Wednesday. "If that is the case, the two younger guys will have a chance to get those four or five practices under their belt before he gets back."

Malzahn also announced Auburn is moving back the start date of spring practice to March 1 from Feb. 27, which will move a second practice after the A-Day game on April 7.

Stidham completed 66.5 percent of his passes for 3,158 yards with 18 touchdowns and six interceptions and rushed for 153 yards and four touchdowns last season.

James Crepea is an Auburn beat reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @JamesCrepea.