Lonn Phillips Sullivan
Aug 15, 20213 min
by LONN PHILLIPS SULLIVAN
@LonnPhillips
With news each day coming in about one or two new fall camp injuries for the Tigers, the anxiety meters have cranked up among the LSU fanbase:
First, the news of Myles Brennan, last year's starting QB, falling in a freak injury and breaking the humerus bone in his left arm, felt like a wake up call to Orgeron's staff....health was the #1 priority.
Heading into camp, Athletic Trainer Jack Marucci made it known to all players: if you have even a little problem, feel anything going on, let us know right then.
Due to these extensive reporting measures, we've seen players typically clad in non contact jerseys like any other season, but now we're starting to watch as some of Orgeron's most reliable and talented Tigers go down with serious injuries:
Following DT Jarell Cherry's spring injury and Myles Brennan's surgery, LSU went into fall camp at or near full health, although now we're finding the Tigers' depth being tested more than ever.
At corner, our elite-level 3rd stringer Dwight McGlothern went down with an ankle sprain, potentially a high ankle problem; he was seen by LSU Odyssey riding around in a scooter of some sort while watching practice; On the positive side, Nudie has aims to be back by Week 1.
Then, the undisputed #1 cornerback in America, Derek Stingley Jr, suffered a "minor camp injury" as Coach O described.
Later, this was upgraded: "I think he's going to need a little more time than I planned..." Orgeron said on Friday.
Running back Ty Davis-Price 'felt something' and out of an abundance of caution, sat out Saturday's scrimmage. He should be back on the practice field by Monday.
Today, we also learned #2 CB Eli Ricks, an All-American who reeled in 4 interceptions last year, will be out until next week.
LSU Odyssey then received word and broke the news about OT Garrett Dellinger picking up a big injury during today's scrimmage. The highly prized freshman OL is enduring a shoulder injury, and our first reports from sources close to the O-line indicate the Michigan native suffered a potential torn labrum or separated shoulder.
Another big loss for the Tigers, especially along an offensive line that was already thin on reliability & aggression. Don't forget, Brad Davis' unit also lost LT Dare Rosenthal to the transfer portal.
There's positives too:
Most of LSU's injuries seem light and preseason recovery appears possible, however you don't like the idea of Lloyd Cole and Darren Evans suiting up as your starting corners for week 1 or the idea of losing such a potential swing man in Dellinger; either long term injury would be a big hit for Corey Raymond & Brad Davis' plans.
While the team have the depth to overcome the snake-bitten injuries, do they have the time to see Dellinger, Logan or our top three corners Stingley Jr, Ricks & McGlothern all back to full health by Week 1???
Like it or not, LSU will head into the Rose Bowl vs UCLA nursing a few key injuries, and it's up to the team & staff to figure out how to navigate these issues right now, before the snake-bitten injuries start to create a larger, less containable problem.
Full list below:
(Ankle Sprain)
EXPECTED SEVERITY LEVEL: 7/10
(?)
EXPECTED SEVERITY LEVEL: 0.5/10
Participating
(Lower body)
EXPECTED SEVERITY LEVEL: 1/10
(Broken bone in foot)
EXPECTED SEVERITY LEVEL:6.5/10
(Ankle Surgery recovery)
EXPECTED SEVERITY LEVEL: 4.5/10
-Participating
(Spring Injury recovery)
EXPECTED SEVERITY LEVEL: 4/10
Participating
(Humerus Surgery)
EXPECTED SEVERITY LEVEL: 8.5/10
(?)
EXPECTED SEVERITY LEVEL: 1.5/10
Participating
(?)
EXPECTED SEVERITY LEVEL: 4.5/10
Participating
("minor camp injury")
EXPECTED SEVERITY LEVEL: 5/10
(back next week in some capacity)
EXPECTED SEVERITY LEVEL: 4/10
(torn labrum / separated shoulder)
EXPECTED SEVERITY LEVEL: 9/10
By LONN PHILLIPS SULLIVAN
@LonnPhillips
Copyright 2021 Uninterrupted Writings Inc
SHOUTOUTS: To ALL the ailing Tigers, get well our guys, you'll be out there soon!!!