Jermaine-Whitehead-chase-Almond.JPG

Auburn defensive back Jermaine Whitehead stalks San Jose State wide receiver Tyler Ervin at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala, Saturday, Sept. 6, 2014. (Mark Almond/malmond@al.com)

AUBURN, Alabama -- Auburn safety Jermaine Whitehead will sit out his fourth consecutive game Saturday.



The senior remains indefinitely suspended, Auburn coach Gus Malzahn said Tuesday. The No. 2 Tigers travel to No. 3 Mississippi State for a 2:30 p.m. kickoff on CBS.



Malzahn was asked if Whitehead will be available in Starkville. "No, he won't be," he said.



The senior has not been allowed on Auburn's sideline over the last three games after he got into a verbal altercation with one of Auburn's assistant coaches prior to the Tigers' road game at Kansas State Sept. 18, according to AuburnUndercover.com.



Whitehead has been spotted around the program, however. He was seen inside Auburn's athletics complex last week. Malzahn has not been clear on whether the door is open for Whitehead to return this season.



"I'm not going to go any further than that," Malzahn said Sept. 30. "Nothing's changed up to this point."

Auburn senior defensive lineman Gabe Wright said Malzahn and the seniors discussed Whitehead's punishment.

"That's one of those things you just have to leave in the hands of your coaches, and I know Whitehead is extremely apologetic for it," Wright said. "I've talked to him. ... I honestly know he's apologetic for it."



Auburn has sided with Josh Holsey at field safety during Whitehead's absence and it doesn't appear the Tigers have missed a beat. He was named the SEC's defensive player of the week following an 11-tackle performance at Kansas State.

Whitehead entered the third week of the season leading Auburn's defense with two interceptions, including a return for a touchdown, and 122 snaps.