Ole Miss heads into its SEC clash with Arkansas this weekend with one big question lingering: the health of quarterback Austin Simmons. The sophomore starter took a hit in the win over Kentucky, suffering an ankle injury that briefly forced him out of the game.
He was clearly in discomfort as trainers checked on him, and the Rebels had to turn to their depth at quarterback. Despite the setback, Simmons managed to return for the final snap of the contest.
That moment gave Ole Miss fans some reassurance, but it did not completely settle the uncertainty surrounding his status moving forward. The week that followed did little to provide clarity. Reports suggested that Simmons had been limited in practice.
At one point, he was even spotted in a walking boot, a sign that the coaching staff wanted to reduce stress on his ankle. There was no official confirmation about the severity of the injury, which kept speculation alive heading into the Arkansas matchup.
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Now, Ole Miss has released its player availability report for Week 3. Simmons is listed as Probable, which indicates that barring any late setbacks, he should be under center against the Razorbacks. It may not erase every doubt about his condition, but it does lean toward a positive outcome for Lane Kiffin’s offense.
Backup Trinidad Chambliss has reportedly received first-team reps this week as a precaution, but the expectation remains that Simmons will play.
Austin Simmons Replacement: Who is Starting In Place of Ole Miss QB?
According to On3sports, Lane Kiffin’s Ole Miss is expected to start backup QB Trinidad Chambliss in week 4 against Arkansas.
Chambliss, a Ferris State (D2) transfer, went 4/6 for 59 yards and TD in his Ole Miss debut Week 1 vs Georgia State. He accounted for over 3,000 yards and 51 TD’s while leading Ferris State to a D2 National Championship in 2024
Lane Kiffin Gave an Update on Austin Simmons on Sunday
Kiffin is not one to reveal injury updates and progress of his players in press conferences. So, he was his usual self while talking to the media over the past week. Last Sunday, however, he talked about Simmons, but maintained silence on his progress.
Kiffin praised Simmons, giving him props for being mature and strong for a player his age.
“You’ve seen him go in and strike out, what the third pick of the draft in baseball as a freshman,” Kiffin said. “This guy going in Georgia, play the way that he did. He’s built different that way. I wish I would have protected him better early and more efficiency early.”
“He was fine. He said he was fine to go back in. He was throwing and I just wanted Trinidad for some scheme stuff just in that situation I’m trying to basically in a 4-minute offense.”
Ole Miss have been undefeated so far. They won the first week matchup 63-7 against Georgia State and beat Kentucky 30-23 in Week 2. They’ll need Simmons to extend the win streak to three and remain unbeaten.
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