Kewan Lacy Out for Saturday Game Against Florida Due to Shoulder Injury
Kewan Lacy, the star running back for No. 4 Ole Miss, will miss Saturday’s matchup against No. 21 Florida, as the university confirms his left shoulder injury prevents him from playing.
Injury Update and Current Status
Coach Pete Golding had previously informed ESPN’s Pete Thamel that Lacy was not expected to participate, though the coach maintained optimism by mentioning another chapel session remains scheduled. The injury occurred during Ole Miss’ recent contest against LSU, prompting immediate medical evaluation. After the game, Lacy underwent X-rays and subsequently received an MRI on Sunday to determine the extent of his shoulder damage.
Player Profile and Season Performance
Lacy, a junior, stands among the elite running backs in college football history. Last season, he shattered single-season program records for Ole Miss, accumulating 306 carrying attempts, 1,567 yards, and 24 touchdowns. These achievements earned him recognition as an All-America selection and a finalist for the Doak Walker Award. Despite suffering a thigh bruise that sidelined him early in the season—knocking him out of the opener against Louisville—he quickly returned and contributed significantly against Charlotte, adding crucial scoring opportunities.
Lineup Adjustments and Backup Options
With Lacy currently listed as out on the SEC availability injury report, Ole Miss will rely on backup running backs JT Lindsey and Makhi Frazier to carry the workload. Lindsey, a sophomore, has shown promise with 48 yards on 12 carries this season, while Frazier, a junior, has accumulated 38 yards on nine attempts. Both players will split carries going forward, providing experience for Lacy while the injury recovery continues.
Florida’s Outlook and Key Players
The opposing side faces challenges as well. Wide receiver Eric Singleton Jr., who has yet to make his debut for the Gators due to a sprained left ankle, will be subject to a game-time decision. Coach Jon Sumrall expressed confidence in Singleton’s ability to contribute, noting that the player appears to be playing well enough to compete despite the injury. Singleton’s previous performance at Auburn, where he caught 58 passes for 534 yards and three touchdowns in 2025, suggests he could be a valuable asset if cleared to play.
Overall, the absence of Lacy creates a significant gap in Ole Miss’ offensive scheme, forcing the Rebels to adapt their strategy mid-game. The outcome of this matchup will depend heavily on how effectively the coaching staff manages the transition to the backup roster and leverages the strengths of Lindsey and Frazier.
Sports, College Football, NCAA, American Football, Team Rosters, Player Injuries
