LSU tight end Trey’Dez Green appears to have avoided a major injury, while the Tigers have lost defensive back Dashawn Spears and wide receiver Phillip Wright for the season.
Green was carted off the field during LSU’s 32-24 loss to Ole Miss Saturday night after taking a hard hit to his right leg in the fourth quarter.
Green was sandwiched by two Ole Miss defenders while making a 19-yard catch. One defender hit him low, and Green immediately went to the ground in obvious pain.
He was helped off the field and taken to the locker room on a cart. Green was later seen on crutches and in street clothes on the LSU sideline.
Green’s mother said in a Facebook post that an MRI showed no torn ligaments in his right leg. She said Green suffered “some bad sprains and bruises” and will not require surgery.
LSU coach Lane Kiffin did not confirm the extent of Green’s injury during a Sunday afternoon Zoom call with reporters. He also declined to speculate on how much time the junior tight end could miss.
Kiffin did confirm that Green and Spears were both on crutches Sunday.
“That’s not ideal,” Kiffin said, particularly with LSU facing eight more SEC games.
Green has been an important part of LSU’s offense this season. He ranks second on the team with 14 receptions for 222 yards and a touchdown.
If Green is forced to miss time, LSU will have to find another option at tight end.
Kiffin said Zach Grace is expected to receive more playing time, while wide receiver Roman Mothershed also played some tight end against Ole Miss.
Mothershed is listed as a receiver, but at 6-foot-5 and 212 pounds, he has the size to give LSU another option at the position.
Kiffin also pointed to LSU’s recent attempt to add former Ole Miss tight end Dae’Quan Wright.
Wright, an All-SEC performer at Ole Miss, received a temporary restraining order allowing him to practice and play for LSU. However, the Tigers ultimately did not add him to the roster because of potential penalties associated with his participation in two NFL training camps.
Spears suffers season-ending injury
LSU also appears to have lost Spears for the remainder of the season.
Spears left Saturday night’s game with an injury in the first quarter. CBS Sports reported that an MRI revealed a torn ACL.
Kiffin did not confirm the diagnosis Sunday, but he made clear how important Spears has been to the Tigers’ defense.
Kiffin said Spears’ versatility has been a major reason for LSU’s defensive success. His length and coverage ability allow him to be effective against both the run and the pass.
“Really was an integral part in how well we’ve played on defense,” Kiffin said.
Freshman linebacker C.J. Jimcoily replaced Spears initially, while former Destrehan standout Jhase Thomas saw more action in the second half.
Kiffin said LSU will spend the next few days evaluating its options at the position.
Spears has seven tackles and one sack this season.
Wright out for season
Kiffin provided definitive news on wide receiver Phillip Wright.
Wright will miss the remainder of the season after suffering a leg injury in the fourth quarter of LSU’s win over Louisiana Tech. He was ruled out for the Ole Miss game, and Kiffin confirmed Sunday that Wright will not return this season.
The former Destrehan standout had three catches for 70 yards and a touchdown this season.
LSU will have to make several adjustments quickly with Texas A&M up next.
Kiffin also indicated there could be changes along the offensive line.
LSU has struggled with pass protection this season, and Kiffin said the coaching staff will evaluate the unit this week, although he did not provide specifics.
The Tigers return to action Saturday when they host Texas A&M.
