The SEC's top returning passer will be on the sidelines for the remainder of spring practice.

Ole Miss quarterback Chad Kelly had successful surgery last week to repair a sports hernia, according to multiple reports. Kelly's absence will mean extra reps for Shea Patterson and Jason Pellerin, the only other scholarship quarterback on the Rebels' roster.

Missing practice time is never ideal, but as injuries that require surgery go, a sports hernia is about the best you can hope for. Especially considering Kelly will be a redshirt senior and has a full year working in the Ole Miss offense, this shouldn't do much to derail the Rebels' hopes of winning the SEC West.

Kelly threw for 4,042 yards and 31 touchdowns in 2015. His yardage total was the third-most in SEC history. Even before his breakout campaign with the Rebs, Kelly's was one of the most recognizable names in college football –Â for good reasons and bad. If the SEC is going to put forth a Heisman Trophy quarterback candidate in 2016, it will most likely be him.

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Kelly originally signed with Clemson as a member of the Tigers' 2012 signing class. He was a four-star prospect and the No. 5 dual-threat quarterback in the country.