Austin Simmons injury update: Lane Kiffin reveals latest on Ole Miss QB's recovery

Ole Miss QB Austin Simmons was limited or out for their past three games going into the Rebels’ bye this past week. His health continues to be a question, though, as they return to the field this weekend in Oxford.

Lane Kiffin provided some updates on Simmons’ status during his press conference on Monday. He said that Simmons is closer to being back on the field for Ole Miss, but still not completely healthy enough to where he would be sure to start against Washington State on Saturday – which is okay for their team too with the emergence of QB Trinidad Chambliss.

“Yeah, he is, and continuing to get closer to 100%. He’s not there yet,” said Kiffin. “So, this week, for him, was good.

“A lot as far as, you know, down the road. But, again, he’s not back to 100%. We’ll continue to evaluate that and look at everything. And, we’re in a great place. I mean, we have two great quarterbacks. I think we have two quarterbacks that are better than a lot of people’s number one. And so, it’s awesome to be in this position.”

This has remained the status of Simmons since he suffered a sprained ankle in their second game and conference opener at Kentucky. He appeared for a bit against Arkansas when Chambliss too was sidelined, but it’s been over a month now since we’ve seen him fully healthy and available for the Rebels as he didn’t play in either win against Tulane or LSU.

In his two full games, Simmons is 33-55 (60%) for 576 yards, three touchdowns, and four interceptions, while also having run for a score in totaling 61 yards. He then rushed once for eight yards and threw one pass for a four-yard touchdown in his short appearances against the ‘Hogs.

In his place, Chambliss has checked in and been one of the better quarterbacks, and just stories, in the sport. He has led Ole Miss to three more wins, to remain undefeated in becoming a top-five team in the country, in averaging 406.3 total yards with six touchdowns overall and one interception in victories versus the Razorbacks, Green Wave, and Tigers.

It remains to be seen whether or not Simmons will be available at all, let alone be the starting quarterback, against Wazzu with him still yet to be 100% because of that ankle. Ole Miss should know more today, though, come practice this week.

“We’ll see tomorrow,” said Kiffin.