Tulane quarterback Michael Pratt is not expected to play Saturday at Southern Miss.
Pratt is dealing with a knee injury he suffered in the fourth quarter of a win over South Alabama in Week 1. He missed last week's 37-20 loss to No. 20 Ole Miss.
He was throwing with the Tulane quarterbacks during pregame warmups Saturday but was not in uniform.
Pratt's practice participation had increased significantly this week compared with last week, sources said. He also did not dress for the Ole Miss game.
Backup quarterback Kai Horton, who played well early against Ole Miss, took some reps with Tulane's first team in practice this week. With Pratt out, Horton is set to get the third start of his career.
Horton finished 15-for-37 for 231 yards with one touchdown and one interception in last week's loss to the Rebels.
Pratt is considered the top quarterback in the American Athletic Conference. He endeared himself to Tulane fans by staying at the school despite opportunities dangled from high-profile suitors in the offseason.
He has emerged as a solid NFL prospect after passing for more than 7,400 yards and 72 touchdowns in 36 career games at Tulane.
Pratt injured his left knee on a quarterback run play with about six minutes remaining in the 37-17 win over South Alabama.
Tulane hosts FCS Nicholls next week before opening AAC play against UAB on Sept. 30.