Ankle Injury Puts Ole Miss Quarterback in Doubt for Key Tulane Matchup

Ole Miss enters Week Four at 3-0, ranked No. 13, but ahead is a real question mark at quarterback. Sophomore starter Austin Simmons is listed as doubtful for Saturday’s matchup with undefeated Tulane due to an aggravated ankle injury. If he can’t go, senior transfer Trinidad Chambliss, fresh off a strong showing vs. Arkansas, will likely make his second straight start for the Rebels. For a program with high expectations, this uncertainty at QB could shift momentum, strategy, and possibly the offensive identity.

Production, Depth, and Team Trends

Through three games, Simmons has completed 34 of 56 passes for 580 yards, four touchdowns, but also four interceptions, and has added roughly 69 rushing yards on 16 carries with a rushing touchdown. When Chambliss came in vs. Arkansas, he delivered: 21/29 passing for 353 yards and a touchdown, plus 62 rushing yards and two more scores. Offensively, Ole Miss is averaging about 44.7 points per game and over 540 yards per game, a sign of how well-oiled their offense has been, even with backups stepping up. Defensively, though, there are some cracks, especially when pressure gets home late and in third-down conversion defense. While the defense is a high-powered unit, this defense has shown vulnerability in turnovers and in protecting its quarterback.

Injury Updates & What’s Next with Tulane Looming

Austin Simmons has been limited all week in practice, and while coach Lane Kiffin earlier expressed optimism, the reports now suggest Ole Miss will rely on Chambliss unless Simmons can play at nearly full strength. Simmons had aggravated his ankle in relief duty vs. Arkansas, which could mean he’s active in an emergency role only. Additionally, the O-Line, which has sustained injuries during fall camp, has improved in recent games, but protection concerns linger, especially with Simmons’ mobility compromised. If Chambliss starts, Ole Miss will lean more on their running backs and extend plays in short to medium drops to protect their QB and reduce risk. Simmons coming off the bench could be a game-changer, but only if he’s healthy enough to throw with velocity and accuracy. My prediction: Ole Miss still wins this one, expect a 34-24 final…but Tulane could make it tight if Chambliss is less sharp or Ole Miss’s defense doesn’t hold up.