Austin Simmons injury update: Ole Miss QB helped off field after scary pileup vs. Kentucky

Ole Miss quarterback Austin Simmons left Saturday’s game against Kentucky in the fourth quarter with an injury. He needed assistance from the training staff as he headed toward the sideline.

Simmons appeared to get his leg rolled up on while on a scramble in the final quarter of Saturday’s matchup. The injury occurred on third down, meaning Ole Miss sent out the punt team afterward.

ESPN’s Molly McGrath previously reported Simmons got treatment on his left ankle earlier in the game and eventually had both ankles taped. Trinidad Chambliss took over at quarterback, though Simmons was back on the sidelines with his helmet on as the Rebels returned to the field for their next possession.

In a later update, McGrath said Simmons looked like he was going to try and get back on the field. However, it was Chambliss’ show as he remained on the sideline.

“You saw Austin Simmons couldn’t put any weight on that left leg,” McGrath said on the broadcast. “He was in visible pain when he went into the injury tent. But he came out with his left ankle heavily taped, threw the football and looked determined to return. He even sniffed some smelling salts [and] told trainers he’s good to go. So he’s itching to get back out on the field.”

At the time of his departure, Simmons was in the midst of an impressive showing against Kentucky. Despite two early interceptions, he bounced back strong to complete 13 of 24 passes for 235 yards. He also added a rushing touchdown to go with 44 yards on the ground.

Simmons arrived at Ole Miss last season from Pahokee (Fla.) Moore Haven Junior/Senior, where he was a four-star recruit. He was the No. 266 overall player and No. 19-ranked quarterback out of the 2024 cycle, according to the Rivals Industry Ranking.

As a true freshman, Simmons appeared in nine games while serving as Jaxson Dart’s primary backup. He completed 59.4% of his passes for 282 yards and two touchdowns in that time, and he didn’t throw a single interception. Now, he’ll have the keys to Lane Kiffin’s offense as Ole Miss looks to build on yet another 10-win season.

“I’ve got the little hype going,” Simmons told On3’s Andy Staples and Ari Wasserman on Andy & Ari On3 over the summer. “Now I’ve just got to go out there next season and perform.”