Pete ThamelESPNSep 9, 2023, 8:57 AM ET2 Minute Read
Tulane star quarterback Michael Pratt is expected to make a game-winning decision against Ole Miss on Saturday, sources told ESPN.
Pratt injured his left knee late in the game against South Alabama last Saturday and was limited in practice. He is expected to warm up before the game and see how he feels before a final decision is made on whether he will play, sources said.
Pratt’s knee problems come as No. 24 Tulane hosts No. 20 Ole Miss in one of the biggest home games on campus of this generation.
Pratt is a fierce competitor, and the decision to play will balance his desire to play in a big game with his long-term health.
If Pratt is unable to play, Tulane is expected to use Kai Horton, a redshirt sophomore with some experience in big games. Last year, Horton came off the bench to help Tulane to a 27-24 overtime win over Houston with three touchdown passes.
Horton had one career start, against Cincinnati in 2021, and helped Tulane stay in the game for three quarters against a Bearcats team that went to the College Football Playoff.
In the opening game against South Alabama, Pratt played one of the best games of any quarterback in the sport in the opening week. He finished the game 14 of 15 with four touchdown passes and ran for 39 yards as Tulane cruised to a 37-17 victory.
With less than six minutes left and Tulane’s last score of the day, Pratt sprinted out of the pocket on a third-and-10 play and was clumsily hit by South Alabama safety Jaden Voisin. Pratt appeared to spin in the air to avoid the tackle and went down at an odd angle.
After the game, he slowly stood up, which took place on the sideline across from Tulane’s bench, and moved cautiously as he attempted to scamper the length of the court. As he tried to jog across, he seemed to put careful weight on his left leg. He didn’t go to the casualty tent, but instead rode a stationary bike, winced and grabbed his left knee.
Pratt has started 36 games in his career, thrown for more than 7,400 yards and has 72 career touchdown passes. He’s a strong NFL prospect who endeared himself to fans in New Orleans by staying at Tulane despite no offers from Blue Blood schools.
Tulane plays at Southern Miss next week and hosts Nicholls the week after that before opening AAC play and hosting UAB on Sept. 30. Tulane is the preseason favorite to win the American Athletic Conference.