A combine (20) harvester includes a cage (32) at least partially surrounding a rotor (28) for threshing crops in the space (34) between the cage (321) and the rotor (28). An auger (302) is at least partially positioned within the cage (32) and is connected to the rotor (28) for rotating therewith. The auger (302) includes vanes (312) for transporting crop from the rotor (28) and towards an outlet of the cage (32). A chopper (320) is positioned either at or adjacent the outlet (310) of the cage (32). A rotational axis (30) of the chopper (320) is substantially aligned with an axis of rotation of the auger (302) and the rotor (28).