STARKVILLE, Miss. – On Monday, Mississippi State coach Jeff Lebby didn’t provide any substantial updates on the injuries to defensive linemen Kalvin Dinkins and Deonte Anderson.

“Hopeful for these guys to be able to play. It’s too early in the week to know,” Lebby said. “They did a little bit today, but not much. We’re planning as if we’re not going to have these guys. So, we’ll see as we get later on in the week.”

However, both players are included in the official depth chart released by Mississippi State.

Dinkins is listed as one of two starting defensive tackles, opposite of Kedrick Bingley-Jones. Anderson is listed as the second-string defensive end behind De’Monte Russell.

If the inclusion of Dinkins and Anderson on the official depth chart and Lebby’s remarks seem to conflict, it’s because they do. Lebby said the same about Dinkins and Anderson leading up to the Arizona State game and both players were included in that week’s depth chart.

What should give fans pause is the debut of Kelly Akharaiyi on the depth chart. The former UTEP receiver was left off the first two depth charts while dealing with an injury, even when Lebby wouldn’t confirm if the senior receiver would be available against the Sun Devils (he was).

So, why are Dinkins and Anderson listed on the depth chart when Akharaiyi wasn’t when he was in the same situation?

We can’t fault Lebby too much. His primary goal is to win games and will seek any advantage he can, including being non-committal about a player’s availability.

Considering the rise of sports gambling, though, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to be more consistent before a politician forces it.