LSU coach Lane Kiffin cited the team’s injuries in criticizing the SEC’s nine-game slate. Linebacker Whit Weeks fractured his lower right leg, requiring surgery; he is expected to miss four to six weeks, with Nov. 7 against Alabama a possible return target.
Kiffin argued that teams in other conferences can rest starters in softer matchups, while SEC teams may have to play them longer. LSU had played only two league games, with seven remaining, five against ranked opponents. In July, he had argued the SEC should wait for the College Football Playoff committee to show it rewards stronger schedules before adding a ninth game, warning that an extra conference game could displace marquee nonconference matchups. He described many of LSU’s injuries as “freak knee injuries” unrelated to training; the article also notes major injuries in the ACC, Big 12 and Big Ten.
LSU’s injury list also includes safety Dashawn Spears, who tore an ACL against Ole Miss, and tight end Trey'Dez Green, who hurt his knee in that game and is targeting an Alabama return. Wide receiver Phillip Wright III is out for the season after a leg injury, while reserve linebacker Charles Ross tore an ACL against Texas A&M. Defensive end Gabe Reliford and cornerback Aidan Anding also suffered season-ending injuries in spring football. With Weeks out, Davhon Keys and TJ Dottery are the main linebacker options, with Tylen Singleton and Zack Weeks also in the rotation.
