Rebels vs. Green Wave: Tulane QB Michael Pratt Game-Time Decision to Play

The Rebels could be facing Kai Horton instead of Michael Pratt for their Week 2 showdown.

While Ole Miss looks to pick up its first-ranked win of the season, it may come at the mercy of an injury. 

According to ESPN, Tulane quarterback Michael Pratt is expected to be a game-time decision in New Orleans on Saturday. The Rebels kick off at 2:30 p.m. at Yulman Stadium.

Pratt injured his left knee against South Alabama during the fourth quarter in the Green Wave's season-opening win, and has been limited in practice. During the final scoring drive, Pratt sprinted out of the pocket on a third-and-10 play and got hit awkwardly by South Alabama safety Jaden Voisin. 

Per Pete Thamel of ESPN, Pratt is expected to warm up before the game and see how he feels before making a final determination on whether he will play.

Pratt was pivotal in Tulane's 11-2 turnaround in 2022, culminating in a win over No. 6 USC in the Cotton Bowl. He threw for 3,010 yards and 27 touchdowns against five interceptions while also totaling 478 rush yards and 10 rushing touchdowns. 

Picking up where he left off, Pratt played one of the best games of any quarterback against the Jaguars. He finished 14-for-15 with four touchdown passes and ran for 39 yards as Tulane cruised to a 37-17 victory.

Last season, Pratt played several games hurt after suffering a rib injury against Houston. If he's unable to go, Kai Horton should start in his place. Horton, a redshirt sophomore, isn't a slouch option, having led Tulane to a 27-24 overtime victory against the Cougars with three passing touchdowns. 

Pratt has started 36 career games for the Green Wave since 2020. He's thrown for over 7,400 yards and posted a 72-21 touchdown-to-interception ratio. This offseason, Pratt fielded offers from Power 5 programs and was considered a sleeper NFL draft prospect, but elected to return for one more season instead of hitting the transfer portal. 

Tulane, the preseason favorite to repeat at AAC Champions, last played Ole Miss in Oxford in 2021. Matt Corral threw for 335 yards and scored seven touchdowns en route to a 61-21 victory. The Rebels haven't lost to the Green Wave since 1987.