NASHVILLE, TN - AUGUST 29: Denzel Nkemdiche #4 of the Ole Miss Rebels raises a fist in appreciation of thousands of Ole Miss fans after defeating the Vanderbilt Commodores at Vanderbilt Stadium on August 29, 2013 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images)

Nkemdiche family releases statement on hospitalized linebacker

Ole Miss linebacker Denzel Nkemdiche has been hospitalized since Monday, including spending time in the intensive care unit. On Friday, the Nkemdiche family released a statement on the condition of Denzel.

"Denzel's condition has improved as of today, and he will remain in the hospital. His well being is all that matters right now, and we are making sure he receives the highest level of medical care. While his condition is not life-threatening, he will not play this weekend. We thank the Ole Miss family for their concern and encouragement, and we appreciate everyone respecting the family's privacy during this time."

While it is good to hear that Nkemdiche's condition is not life-threatening, it is still unknown what exactly led to the senior linebacker being hospitalized.

No. 22 Ole Miss will have to take on No. 15 LSU this weekend without Denzel, who is their leading tackler on the year with 53 total tackles.