Ole Miss looks to continue its offensive dominance in conference play when it travels to Jordan-Hare Stadium on Saturday to take on Auburn.
Will one of the Rebels' top weapons be active?
Leading receiver Jordan Watkins suffered an injury last week during practice. When asked if he'd be cleared to play against the Tigers, Rebels coach Lane Kiffin seemed optimistic of his status.
"We anticipate him playing," Kiffin said Monday. "That's all I got."
Watkins still will have to put together a strong second half, but he's on pace for a career season in Oxford. Through six games, the senior has totaled 36 receptions for 536 yards and a pair of touchdowns.
Among SEC receivers, Watkins ranks eighth in both receiving yards and catches. He was an elemental factor in the 55-49 upset win over then-No. 13 LSU in Week 5, hauling in five catches for 103 yards and a score.
Watkins also eclipsed 100 receiving yards (119, 111) in victories over Mercer and Georgia Tech in September. Last season, he served as the Rebels' No. 3 target behind Jonathan Mingo and Malik Heath, finishing with 40 receptions for 449 yards.
The No. 13 Rebels (5-1, 2-1 SEC) have already been hindered by pass-catcher injuries this season and recovered. Transfers Zakhari Franklin and Tre Harris have missed games due to injuries. Tight end Michael Trigg left the program last month, leaving little depth behind senior Caden Prieskorn.
Watkins' missing time is only a fraction of the problem. Harris, who started his Rebels' career with four touchdowns in a 73-7 win over Mercer, left Week 6's win over Arkansas with an undisclosed injury and did not return. Should both miss Saturday's game against the Tigers (3-3, 0-3 SEC), senior Dayton Wade would be the only receiver with meaningful reps through six games.
The expectation would be for Franklin to emerge as the new No. 2 in the slot. Wade would likely remain on the outside while senior pass-catcher Jalen Knox would command the No. 2 role on the opposing side.
Kickoff from Auburn is scheduled for 6 p.m. The game will be nationally televised on ESPN.
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