Ole Miss’ Eli Johnson out for season with torn ACL

Published 8:22 pm Sunday, September 10, 2017

Ole Miss’ depth along the offensive line has taken a hit.

Backup center Eli Johnson will miss the rest of the season after tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee on the last play of the Rebels’ 45-23 win over UT Martin on Saturday. Johnson also tore his medial meniscus and lateral meniscus.

An MRI on Sunday afternoon confirmed the injuries, a source said. The Oxford native and former Lafayette High standout will have surgery within the next two weeks.

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Who will now back up Sean Rawlings at the position is unclear, though the Rebels have some experienced options that could fill in if needed. Guard Javon Patterson started three games at center last season and repped there at times during training camp as did fellow guard Jordan Sims.

The 6-foot-1, 300-pound Johnson, a redshirt freshman, starred at Lafayette from 2012-15.