OXFORD, Miss. (AP) — Mississippi coach Hugh Freeze says linebacker Denzel Nkemdiche is expected to be out for four to six weeks because of a torn meniscus in his knee.
Freeze also confirmed that starting offensive lineman Aaron Morris will likely miss the rest of the season because of a torn ACL. Both injuries occurred during the Rebels’ 39-35 victory over Vanderbilt on Thursday night.
Nkemdiche led the Rebels with 82 tackles last season and is expected to be one of the defensive leaders this season. Morris started every game at left guard last season.
The loss of Nkemdiche is an especially tough blow for a defense that was inconsistent last season and struggled against Vanderbilt, giving up 426 total yards.
Ole Miss faces Southeast Missouri on Sept. 7 in Oxford.
