Oxford– Ole Miss defensive tackle and former South Panola Tiger Peria Jerry underwent arthroscopic surgery Monday afternoon to repair damage to his right knee according to published reports.

Those reports said he injured the knee during Sunday’s practice which was closed to the media. Prior reports had quoted Ole Miss head football coach Houston Nutt as being excited to have Jerry back on the practice field Thursday.

Nutt said last week, “It was good to have Peria back. His leadership and his intensity are intangibles that we have to have on the field. He’s worked hard all summer and he’s been through the wars, so he knows what to do….”

Nutt also said last week that he would not play Peria on Saturday during the scrimmage during “Meet the Rebels Day.”

Ole Miss officials gave no timetable for Jerry’s return but the published report noted that  nose tackle Ted Larent recently had a similar injury and is expected to miss about four weeks.

An All-SEC selection,  Jerry’s injury is particularly untimely as  he is one of the team’s leaders and most physical players.

“We’re thankful a ligament was not involved, and we’re glad Peria will be back this season,” Nutt stated.

“We’ve had a bad injury bug to our defensive line this preseason. Fortunately, we feel none of the injuries have been season ending, and we’re looking forward to getting everyone back.”

Along with Laurent and Jerry, Greg Hardy is already out for six to eight weeks with a stress fracture on his foot and backups Chris Bowers, LaMark Armour and Justin Sanders have also missed time with various ailments.