Mississippi senior linebacker Denzel Nkemdiche has been hospitalized this week for an undisclosed reason in Oxford, Mississippi, and will not play on Saturday.
Nkemdiche's father Dr. Sunday Nkemdiche confirmed to The Associated Press via text message Thursday that Nkemdiche had been hospitalized. The family released a statement saying that his condition "has improved as of today" and is "not life-threatening," but he will remain in the hospital.
Dr. Nkemdiche had previously told the AP he expected Denzel to be released on Thursday. The statement didn't give a reason why Nkemdiche was in the hospital, but thanked the "Ole Miss family for their concern and encouragement."
"His wellbeing is all that matters right now and we are making sure he receives the highest level of medical care," the statement said. "While his condition is not life-threatening, he will not play this weekend."
Dr. Nkemdiche said Thursday that Denzel was "up and talking."
Ole Miss coach Hugh Freeze said Wednesday that Nkemdiche was out for a "personal matter" and his status for Saturday's game against No. 17 LSU was uncertain.
Nkemdiche leads the 25th-ranked Rebels with 53 tackles this season. He's the older brother of starting defensive tackle Robert Nkemdiche.
The Rivals.com affiliate for Ole Miss, RebelGrove.com, first reported Nkemdiche was in the hospital.
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