After suffering a torn PCL in the first half of Ole Miss’ 40-24 loss to LSU on Saturday, quarterback Shea Patterson will miss the remainder of the season.
The former five-star recruit was brought to the medical tent after suffering what appeared to be a non-contact injury. Patterson left the field with one series remaining in the first half, but he returned to play for the majority of the second half, noticeably favoring his left leg.
An MRI immediately after the game revealed he tore the posterior cruciate ligament in his right knee. Patterson is expected to spend the next four weeks in a cast.
PCL injuries often heal on their own and do not require surgery, but another MRI following the four-week period will determine whether the procedure will be necessary.
Patterson, who entered Saturday’s game as the SEC’s leading passer, completed 10 of his 23 pass attempts for 116 yards, three interceptions and no touchdowns.
Without their starting gunslinger, the Rebels will call upon junior Jordan Ta’amu to finish out the year. Ta’amu, who played in relief of Patterson on Saturday, did not look out of place against the Tigers. Completing 7 of 11 pass attempts, the 6-foot-3, 200-pound JUCO transfer added 20 yards rushing and led two scoring drives.
Ta’amu will see his first action as a starting quarterback Saturday against Arkansas.