Ole Miss Plans to Use Bye Week to Mend Multiple Injuries

Adam Brown
Sports Editor
adam.brown@hottytoddy.com

Ole Miss head coach Matt Luke addresses the media at his weekly press conference. Photo by Adam Brown.

The Ole Miss Rebels have reached their first bye week of the 2019 season after finishing an eight-game grind. Head Coach Matt Luke met with the media Monday for his weekly press conference after a 24-17 loss to Texas A&M.

“Going back and reviewing the tape (from Saturday’s game versus Texas A&M), that was a tough one,” Luke said. “It’s the one or two plays here or there, that’s what makes it so tough. We’re close, and we’re coming.”

Ole Miss had several injuries against the Aggies. Freshman running back Jerrion Ealy is in concussion protocol, Elijah Moore had a minor groin injury, Michael Howard’s shoulder popped out of place, and both Ben Brown and Eli Johnson hurt their ankles. Alex Givens had a minor knee injury and Scottie Phillips also suffered knee trauma. Phillips’ MRI was negative, according to Luke, which means it was clear of tears.

“John Rhys Plumlee is (also) going to have a minor procedure done on his knee and won’t practice this week,” Luke said. “We expect him to be available depending on how much we get him to practice next week.”

This week the Rebels are going to focus on technique as they look ahead to Auburn.

“We can do some things—not physically but mentally—to get those reps in,” he said.

In practice, the coaching staff said they will have the team pay attention to detail and start embedding the younger players. 

For the past two games, Luke has used both Plumlee and Matt Corral at quarterback. 

“With John Rhys out this week in practice, Matt will get all of the QB one reps,” Luke said.

Luke continues to look forward and encourages the team to hold their heads up as they tackle the rest of the season’s slate. 

“You stay the course. You keep getting better and keep harping on it, and eventually, the breaks start going your way,” Luke said. “Eventually, you start getting the bounces. You just keep your head down and go to work.”

Ole Miss returns to action next Saturday at Auburn. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. on ESPN.