Hugh Kellenberger

The Clarion-Ledger

OXFORD -- Two of No. 10 Ole Miss' running backs are dealing with injuries after Saturday's game.

I'Tavius Mathers (toe) and Jordan Wilkins (ankle, knee) both may not practice during Ole Miss' bye week after going down during the team's 56-15 win against Louisiana-Lafayette.

Coach Hugh Freeze said Mathers "should be OK, but it may take a couple of weeks." The team is waiting on tests to come back on Wilkins' knee, which has swollen up.

"Anytime you're waiting on tests to come back they concern you," Freeze said.

Ole Miss has two weeks before the team's Sept. 27 game against Memphis, and three before it plays No. 3 Alabama.

Mathers led Ole Miss in rushing last season and is second on the team right now with 94 yards. He had a 56-yard touchdown run against the Ragin' Cajuns, but his other 16 carries this season have gained 38 yards (a 2.38 yards per carry average).

Wilkins had some success early in the season by establishing himself as a good short-yardage back, but he's carried the ball 14 times for 47 yards in Ole Miss' crowded backfield.

Linebackers Deterrian Shackelford (ankle) and Demarquis Gates (thigh bruise) both have minor injuries that are not expected to be serious.

Left guard Aaron Morris may sit out practice this week as well.

"There's nothing wrong but with that knee he had surgery on," Freeze said. "(Trainer Pat Jernigan) is thinking of doing some kind of treatment that will help with some of the soreness and tendonitis."



