Franklin is doubtful

Missouri coach Gary Pinkel said Monday that starting quarterback James Franklin is doubtful for the Tigers’ homecoming game on Saturday against Kentucky.

Pinkel said Franklin, who sprained the medial collateral ligament in his knee in MU’s 19-15 loss to Vanderbilt on Oct. 6, has done some throwing but has not been moving around much since then.

“He has to be functional,” Pinkel said. “He has not even run to this date.”

Redshirt freshman Corbin Berkstresser was again listed atop the depth chart released Monday. Pinkel said he expects Berkstresser to start, though he added that Franklin will continue to be evaluated throughout the week.

• Pinkel said junior tight end Eric Waters, who was carted off the field on a stretcher near the end of MU’s 42-10 loss to Alabama on Oct. 13, continues to make encouraging progress in his recovery from a muscle strain. Pinkel said Waters practiced last Saturday and Sunday and should be ready to go for Saturday’s game.

“He’s looking pretty good,” Pinkel said. “On Saturday morning, he did not look good at all, but (Sunday night), he was a different guy. We expect him to be back 100 percent.”

• Sophomore center Mitch Morse is expected to return to the starting lineup after missing the Alabama game because of a sprained MCL. Senior guard Jack Meiners, who also missed the Alabama game because of a sprained MCL, is listed as out for Kentucky.

• Sophomore receiver Bud Sasser remains the starter at “Z” receiver, while junior L’Damian Washington is the starter at “X.” Marcus Lucas remains the backup at “X.”