Auburn’s Zac Etheridge released from the hospital

AUBURN — Safety Zac Etheridge was released from the hospital Monday, an apparent major step forward in his path to a full recovery.

“We’re happy to report that Zac has been released from the hospital and our medical staff is optimistic he will make a full recovery,” coach Gene Chizik said in a university statement.

The extent of Etheridge’s injuries are unknown, but a photo on his Facebook profile page shows him wearing a large neck brace.

Chizik said Sunday that Etheridge is out for the season and would not speculate on his future playing career, just his recovery as “a person.”

Attempting to make a hit on Ole Miss’ Rodney Scott in the first quarter of Saturday’s game, Etheridge went helmet-first into Antonio Coleman’s right shoulder pad. The collision jarred Etheridge’s neck and rendered him motionless, face-down on top of Scott.

Auburn officials said Etheridge, who gave a thumbs up to the crowd on his way off the field, had movement in all his extremities shortly after the hit.

Etheridge, a junior, has started 33 consecutive games at safety, amassing 191 tackles.