Mississippi State quarterback Tyler Russell returned to practice Tuesday, a strong indication that his return from a concussion will be Saturday in the Bulldogs' Southeastern Conference opener against Auburn.
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MSU coach Dan Mullen had previously said Russell would likely be ready for the game, but that he didn't know when he would be medically cleared to practice. According to clarionledger.com, that day came Tuesday.
Still, MSU coach Dan Mullen was non-committal on the subject.
"If Tyler is healthy enough to go then he'll be playing quarterback for us," Mullen said. "If he's not, then Dak will be playing quarterback for us."
Mississippi State could benefit from Russell's veteran presence in what will be a road game for the Bulldogs. With Auburn breaking in a new quarterback in Nick Marshall, who has posted pedestrian but largely mistake-free numbers through two games, Russell would provide MSU with an edge at a key position if he is healthy and effective. Russell was concussed in MSU's season-opening 21-3 loss to Oklahoma State, and sat out the Bulldogs' 51-7 win over Alcorn State last week.
Russell, a fifth-year senior and one of MSU's top NFL draft possibilities, passed for 2,897 yards last season with 24 touchdowns and only 10 interceptions.
Follow Chase Goodbread on Twitter @ChaseGoodbread.