John Emery injury update; Brian Kelly details LSU RB's return to program after surgery
LSU came out of the season opener against USC with disheartening injury news. Running back John Emery was ruled out for the rest of the year following another knee injury. Emery was in his final season of college football and recently Brian Kelly hinted at a future outside of the sport.
Without Emery, other LSU running backs have had to step into big roles. Freshman Caden Durham certainly made a name for himself on Saturday, breaking out against South Carolina. But to this point, there has not been much help coming from Emery as he goes through recovery.
Kelly hopes that can change in the near future, hoping to bring Emery into meeting rooms to give some knowledge to some inexperienced players.
“Nothing yet. He is now able to be around the team. The surgery itself required some medical attention and then getting around on crutches without any pain. He was here yesterday. He will begin to travel with us in our next travel. We’re ready to get him back with us in the meeting room to help some of the younger players because he can be a great asset for us,” Kelly said via Wednesday’s SEC Coaches Teleconference.
LSU has two home games in as many weeks, rounding out their nonconference schedule. A nice bye week will be in there as well for a rest period. Traveling will then become a common theme, playing three on the road in five weeks. Based on the update provided by Kelly, Emery should be able to be on the sidelines both at Tiger Stadium and opposing venues.
But for the time being, Emery is focused on a few other things in his own life. Going through these types of injuries does take away from both aspects of being a student-athlete. Kelly mentioned Emery needed to get his academic work back in order once released from the hospital.
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And then focusing back on the injury, making sure some comfort is there around the building.
“Generally, after the surgeries, we give the guys time to get their academics back in order,” Kelly said. “In John’s situation, he’s taking graduate classes. But more importantly, they got to be pain-free and be able to get around the building because they’re on crutches. Usually takes a week or two and he’s now past that window. He’ll begin to start attending meetings and be a great mentor for those younger guys.”