Ed Orgeron provides injury update on Chasen Hines, Deion Smith

LSU offensive lineman Chasen Hines and receiver Deion Smith will not play Saturday against Ole Miss, per head coach Ed Orgeron. Hines, who starts at right guard, was injured during pregame warmups against Florida.

Smith, who has 11 catches for 186 yards and a touchdown, was injured in the Kentucky game and did not play against the Gators.

“Chasen and Deion won’t play,” Orgeron said in his Thursday press conference. “Unless something miraculous happens tomorrow, but I don’t think so.”

Even without Hines and Smith, LSU produced surprising offensive results in Week 7. Junior running back Tyrion Davis-Price totaled 287 yards on the ground, which matched his numbers through the first six games. He also had a season-high three touchdowns in the 49-42 victory.

Orgeron said he was impressed with the performance of sophomore Marlon Martinez, who filled in at right guard for Hines in that game.

“We’re really excited about him,” Orgeron said. “He did well. The gap plays are really good. Coach Brad Davis has done a tremendous job with him.”

Although LSU is coming off of an upset win, it has been a messy season in Baton Rouge. After dropping their season opener to UCLA, the Tigers won three straight, including their SEC opener against Mississippi State. However, they lost games against Auburn and Kentucky in the following weeks that put Orgeron’s job in question.

Not even a week after defending himself in a press conference, Orgeron and LSU came to a mutual decision to part ways. The total cost of Orgeron’s remaining pay will be $16.95 million, to be paid through the end of December 2025.

The Tigers will look to carry whatever momentum they still have left from last week’s win into Saturday. However, given the circumstances and injuries to Chasen Hines and Deion Smith, it will definitely be an uphill battle against this talented Ole Miss offense.