Ole Miss loses starting defensive lineman to neck injury

Ole Miss defensive tackle Issac Gross is out for the season with a neck injury that requires surgery, the Rebels announced Tuesday:

Issac Gross out for the season, per UM release. He will have surgery on his neck. He will redshirt and return for a fifth year at Ole Miss.

— Neal McCready (@NealMcCready) September 8, 2015

Issac Gross is a big loss for Ole Miss. One SEC coach told Athlon in August that “he was the best nose tackle we played last year.”

— Bennett Hipp (@BennettHipp) September 8, 2015

The 6-foot-1, 240-pounder will seek a medical redshirt for a fifth season next fall. Gross played in Saturday’s season-opening 76-3 win over UT Martin and made three tackles.

The former freshman All-American started six games last season and made eight tackles behind the line of scrimmage. He missed time three years ago with a neck injury, but it is not yet known if it’s a similar injury, according to reports.

Ole Miss has released the following statement:

Team Statement: "Issac Gross will undergo season-ending surgery on his neck. He plans to redshirt this season and return for a fifth year."

— The Rebel Walk (@TheRebelWalk) September 9, 2015

Team Statement (continued): "With a successful procedure, the medical staff is optimistic for a full recovery."

— The Rebel Walk (@TheRebelWalk) September 9, 2015

JUCO transfer D.J. Jones is expected to be one pass rushers who steps in during his absence.