Ole Miss got an encouraging early read on several key names Wednesday night, but the first SEC availability report ahead of Saturday’s top-10 clash with LSU still left plenty unresolved.
Running back Makhi Frazier and offensive lineman Tommy Kinsler were both listed as questionable for No. 8 Ole Miss’ 6:30 p.m. kickoff against No.
7 LSU at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium, according to the league’s initial report. On the other side, the Rebels had cornerback Victor Lincoln Jr. and offensive lineman Emanuel Faulkner marked out, while linebacker Keaton Thomas and cornerback Cedrick Beavers were listed as probable.
Frazier has worked behind Kewan Lacy through the first two games, but he has already had a meaningful role. He helped finish the opener, a 41-38 win over Louisville, after Lacy went down with a leg injury, then logged seven carries for 21 yards and one catch for 12 yards in Saturday’s 41-9 win over Charlotte.
Lacy is not on this week’s report after returning against Charlotte and rushing for 87 yards on 13 carries. He had a leg bruise against Louisville, briefly came back into that game, and then sat out the rest of the opener.
Kinsler’s status matters too. The Miami transfer started at right tackle in the opener before leaving and missing the game against the 49ers, with Connor Howes taking most of those snaps since then.
Thomas being probable is a welcome sign for the Ole Miss defense. The Baylor transfer hurt his ankle against Louisville but still played 32 snaps last week. He is one of the Rebels’ top linebackers and the primary green-dot when he’s on the field.
Beavers’ probable tag could also give Ole Miss some extra help in the secondary.
The SEC will update the report Thursday and Friday, then again 90 minutes before kickoff Saturday, so these designations can still shift.
LSU’s report had the most eye-catching name on it: starting quarterback Sam Leavitt is doubtful. The Tigers also listed wide receiver Phillip Wright III, linebacker Jaiden Braker and running back Raycine Guillory Jr. as out, while linebackers TJ Dottery and Tylen Singleton are questionable.
Tight end Trey'Dez Green, linebacker Whit Weeks, linebacker Davhon Keys and offensive lineman Aliou Bah were all listed as probable.
Leavitt has started LSU’s first two games and threw for 344 yards in Saturday’s 45-14 win over Louisiana Tech. He is dealing with an upper body injury and did not throw in Wednesday’s practice, CBS Sports’ Matt Zenitz reported.
Even so, his status should be taken with some caution as the week plays out. Kiffin has a long history of exaggerating or playing with injury information.
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