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Missouri Tigers coach Gary Pinkel said Tuesday starting quarterback James Franklin is doubtful for Saturday's game against Kentucky, an improvement in status from being ruled out completely. Still, the coach said Franklin isn't on the depth chart for the game, and that backup Corbin Berkstresser will likely get the call:
"After our last meeting with our trainers they thought that he would not play, so we'll see how it progresses, but we anticipate him not playing. We'll go with Corbin Berkstresser again as we go in to this game against Kentucky."
Pinkel said the decision is likely to come Thursday after Franklin meets with medical staff. Franklin has been out since the first quarter against Vanderbilt on Oct. 6 with a sprained MCL.
Berkstresser completed a mere 12-of-29 passes for 126 yards and two interceptions while starting in place of Franklin against No. 1 Alabama on Oct. 13. Missouri (3-4, 0-4 Southeastern Conference) was idle last week and still seeks its first in-conference win as a member of the SEC. Kentucky (1-7, 0-5) wil likely be the Tigers' best chance to do just that.