Hugh Freeze says 'progress has been made' in Laremy Tunsil situation

For the first time since Ole Miss left tackle Laremy Tunsil started missing games, we heard what appears to be a glimmer of optimism from Hugh Freeze during his Monday press conference.

"I've been told that progress has been made in Laremy's situation last week and that we're pushing as hard as we can to get him back on the field as soon as possible."

Up until now, Freeze has answered any and all questions about the ongoing NCAA investigation with a scripted line about not having any updates. We've heard plenty of rumors over the last couple of weeks, but this is the first time Freeze himself has suggested that progress is being made.

A contingent representing Tunsil traveled to NCAA headquarters in Indianapolis last week, a meeting that the Ole Miss Spirit reported as being "productive." I'd assume that meeting is the source of Freeze's apparent optimism.

Now does that mean the Rebs will have their star O-lineman when they face a salty defense in Gainseville this weekend? We still have no idea. Freeze said that the team has been "proceeding as if we will not have [Tunsil]." Fahn Cooper and Sean Rawlings are still getting the first-team reps in practice, though Freeze said that Tunsil has "been in our system long enough and he's athletic enough that he'll be ready" even without taking snaps in practice.

In other positive O-line news, Freeze said that Justin Bell (knee) will "give it a go" this weekend and that Rod Taylor (shoulder) could see about 20 snaps or so.