Brian Kelly gives key LSU injury updates for Garrett Nussmeier, Caden Durham, others before Ole Miss showdown
The LSU Tigers enter this week needing good health as they prepare for Lane Kiffin’s Ole Miss Rebels. The No. 4 Tigers and No. 13 Rebels are set for what might be more of a defensive battle, but the tides may turn as the latest injury report from Brian Kelly is promising. The Tigers, boasting […]
The LSU Tigers enter this week needing good health as they prepare for Lane Kiffin’s Ole Miss Rebels. The No. 4 Tigers and No. 13 Rebels are set for what might be more of a defensive battle, but the tides may turn as the latest injury report from Brian Kelly is promising. The Tigers, boasting an elite defense but a struggling offense, need to be full strength.
Kelly went far enough to say quarterback Garrett Nussmeier’s status isn’t in question, and we’ll know what to expect with Caden Durham and others. Ole Miss is a significant underdog as they deal with their own slew of injuries, but the SEC is always up for a competitive game where a contender falls. The winner of this game could catapult even higher.
Here’s what Kelly had to say about Nussmeier, Durham, and others on Monday.
Injury Updates for Garrett Nussmeier, Caden Durham, and other LSU Tigers
Kelly told ESPN’s Paul Finebaum that Nussmeier is “finally healthy” and “able to do the things he hadn’t been able to do the first few weeks.” The veteran head coach raved about his newfound ability to “throw on the run” and attack vertical passing lanes. That bodes well, and Nussmeier looked better against Southeastern Louisiana in Week 4, completing 25 attempts for 273 yards and four total scores.
That’s not all, though.
Durham exited early in the second quarter with what appeared to be a serious ankle injury. Initial evaluations raised alarms about a potential high ankle sprain, a setback that could have derailed LSU’s potent ground game.
Fortunately, Kelly alleviated those fears during his Monday press conference, confirming it was a standard sprain with no long-term implications. Durham, who’s emerged as a cornerstone of the Tigers’ backfield this season, leads the team with 213 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 52 carries. His explosive sophomore breakout has been instrumental in establishing balance on offense, and his expected quick return bodes well for upcoming contests.
“He was better than we first thought. (He) doesn’t show signs of a high ankle (sprain), so he’s anxious to give it a shot and play. But we’ll monitor him throughout the week.
“Source: LSU RB Caden Durham (ankle) is expected to practice lightly this week and his status for Ole Miss will be determined later in the week. An MRI ruled out a high ankle sprain after he got injured Saturday against SE Louisiana,” ESPN’s Pete Thamel wrote via X.
LSU has been without senior middle linebacker West Weeks since a calf strain he sustained in the team’s matchup against Florida two weeks prior. Weeks, a key piece of the Tigers’ defensive front, has yet to return to full practice as the staff monitors his recovery closely.
“We got (Weeks) at 90% so I would say that he is probable for this game leading into it,” Kelly said. “Trey’Dez will play. He was pretty good in pregame (against Southeastern Louisiana) and then we felt like we could hold him back for another week.”
Joining him on the sideline is sophomore tight end Trey’Dez Green, who has now missed back-to-back games after suffering an MCL sprain late in the fourth quarter during the season opener against Louisiana Tech. Green’s versatility as a blocker and receiver leaves a noticeable gap in the offense, forcing adjustments in lineup and scheme.
With Durham likely suiting up, LSU turns its attention to Ole Miss on Saturday, where a heavy reliance on the run could prove decisive. The Rebels’ defense has struggled against the ground game, surrendering an average of 190.5 rushing yards per contest – ranking 14th-worst nationally. This vulnerability presents a golden opportunity for the Tigers to control the clock and wear down a high-powered Rebels offense.
Despite the injury hiccups, LSU’s depth has shone through in recent blowouts, and a healthy Durham could amplify their rushing efficiency. Fans in Tiger Stadium will be watching closely to see if the ground-and-pound approach tips the scales in this SEC tilt. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. CT, broadcast on ESPN.
