The good news for Ole Miss is that, as expected, it will have one of its top defenders on the defensive side of the ball for Saturday’s game against Alabama. The not-so-good news? He won’t be there at the start.
Denzel Nkemdiche suffered a torn meniscus in the opener against Vanderbilt. After sitting out wins over Southeast Missouri State and Texas, the linebacker appeared to be on track for a return against the Tide despite the fact that he practiced for the first time Wednesday since suffering the knee injury.
Speaking to CBSSports.com‘s Bruce Feldman, head coach Hugh Freeze clarified Nkemdiche’s status for the huge conference matchup, stating that the sophomore will play against the Tide but will not start. Exactly how much Nkemdiche will see the playing field remains to be seen.
Regardless of how much it is, the return is a huge boost for the Rebels’ defense. Last season as a redshirt freshman, Nkemdiche, the older brother of prized Ole Miss recruit Robert Nkemdiche. led the team in tackles and tackles for loss.