ABC broadcast provides update on early injuries to Maason Smith, BJ Ojulari

The LSU Tigers saw an early injury to one of their best defenders, Maason Smith, who went down on their first defensive series of the game. Adding insult to the injury — it appeared to be a result of the defensive lineman celebrating a play he made.

Later in the first quarter, ESPN’s Katie George provided a grim update on Smith’s status.

“After spending some time in the medical tent, Mason Smith unfortunately came out and looked visibly upset,” George said. “He gingerly walked himself to the locker room and is now being evaluated.”

Smith jumped into the air while celebrating a big stop on second down, and landed awkwardly on his left leg. He was visibly hobbled after the landing and eventually went down to the ground on the field. During an injury timeout, Smith was taken to the injury tent and his status for the remainder of the game was uncertain.

Shortly after Smith came out, defensive end defender BJ Ojulari also went down with injury but jogged off the field under his own power. George provided a much more positive update on his status moving forward.

“BJ Ojulari then entered the tent after (Smith) left it,” George said. “He luckily came out and had that left knee taped up. Gave a thumbs up and he’s good to go.”

It would be a huge blow to the Tigers defense if Maason Smith is forced to miss significant time due to the injury. A former five-star recruit, he was named to the SEC All-Freshman team after recording six tackles and three sacks across nine games. He was poised to take the next step forward in his second season, but now his status is up in the air.

Stay tuned to On3 for more updates on the injury to Smith.

On3’s Austin Brezina contributed to this report.