Former Auburn LB Owen Pappoe reportedly dealing with injury ahead of draft prep

Former Auburn linebacker Owen Pappoe has a shoulder injury that will force him to miss the Senior Bowl, according to ESPN’s Pete Thamel.

Pappoe is dealing with a “SLAP tear” in his labrum. He won’t need surgery, per Thamel, and that means he should be able to participate at the NFL Draft Combine and at Auburn’s Pro Day, but he runs the risk of further injury.

Source: Former Auburn LB Owen Pappoe has a “SLAP tear” in his labrum and will miss the Senior Bowl. He will not need surgery, but doctors have advised him he could further injure the shoulder if he plays. He’s still expected to be a full participant at NFL Combine and Pro Day.

— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) January 19, 2023

SLAP tears — or Superior Labrum, Anterior to Posterior tears — occur when cartilage tears in the inner part of the shoulder joint. They can make it painful or difficult to move the shoulder and arm.

The former 5-star recruit missed seven games during the 2021 season with a leg injury at Auburn. When he returned to full-strength in 2022, he managed to lead the Tiger defense in tackles with 91 on the season. He was named a 2022 Butkus Award semifinalist for his efforts.

Pappoe started 41 games over his four years with the Tigers while posting 256 career tackles, 15 tackles for loss, eight sacks, seven pass breakups, three forced fumbles, and two interceptions.

He seems like the exact kind of player who could do well for himself at the NFL Combine. The 6-foot-1 middle ‘backer has always been an athletic marvel with excellent physical tools. If he can perform well at the Combine, he could rise up draft boards even in spite of the injury.