Denzel Nkemdiche Injury: Updates on Ole Miss Star's Ankle and Recovery

Ole Miss lost its first football game of the season Saturday against LSU. In the process, the Rebels also lost linebacker Denzel Nkemdiche for the season due to a broken ankle. 

Ole Miss head coach Hugh Freeze confirmed the news, per Edward Aschoff of ESPN.com, acknowledging Nkemdiche underwent surgery Sunday. Prior to the announcement, Freeze spoke about the impact injuries can have on team success, per Patrick MaGee of the Sun-Herald.

"This league is brutal," Freeze said. "It's difficult each Saturday to win football games, particularly when you may not play your best, and you suffer some injuries you're not used to having and you've got to play some other kids."

The loss of Nkemdiche is a significant one for the Rebels, as he has 28 tackles this season. Ole Miss will now have to move on without him against a tough Auburn (6-1, 3-1 SEC) team on Saturday.

Looking to make it to the first ever College Football Playoff, being without the linebacker might be a huge blow to the Rebels' chances.

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