Brian Kelly believes Emery Jones will be 'full participant' next week, ready for Alabama

LSU offensive tackle Emery Jones and cornerback Zy Alexander are both dealing with injuries as the Tigers continue in their bye week before a meeting with SEC West opponent Alabama.

Head coach Brian Kelly provided an update on both on Wednesday on an SEC teleconference call. Jones will be available against Alabama, while Alexander’s status is less clear.

“Yeah, he’ll be available. He was back with our team,” Kelly said of Jones. “He will practice today, and so we expect him to be a full participant in our practice on Monday.”

Jones was injured during the team’s game against Auburn, leaving with an apparently ankle injury. He did not return to that game, and he missed LSU’s bout with Army over the weekend.

He’s a significant piece on the offensive line, one that will help immediately upon his return.

Alexander is an equally important piece on defense, particularly with LSU extremely banged-up at the position. Alexander was injured on a Hail Mary just before half, seemingly sustaining an ankle injury.

According to the LSU radio broadcast, Alexander was unable to put any weight on his leg following the injury.

Kelly had provided an update that he wasn’t practicing early in the week, but his update on Wednesday made things a little more clear. He was asked point blank if Alexander’s injury was season-ending.

“We’re still in an evaluation process on Zy right now,” Kelly said. “It’s going to cause him to miss time, and we’ll have a better indication of that over the next couple weeks.”

Alexander has also been a big part of the team’s defense, starting in all eight contests so far. He’s recorded 44 tackles, nine pass breakups and two interceptions and has been one of the biggest ballhawks in the secondary.

Both would be significant pieces in a rivalry game that could well decide the SEC West. Luckily, LSU has a bye week to continue to get Zy Alexander and Emery Jones healthy ahead of the tilt with Alabama.