LSU could be without two starters vs. Southern Cal
With LSU set to kick off the season with a Top 25 matchup against Southern Cal, a pair of starters have yet to be cleared to play in Las Vegas.
On Monday, LSU head coach Brian Kelly began his game week press conference by offering up the latest on the injury front.
For the Tigers, two starters on offense will use the practice week ahead to get the green light to suit up against the Trojans for Sunday’s 6:30 p.m. CT kickoff on ABC.
“Chris Hilton is questionable with a “bone bruise”, Kelly said. “Miles Frazier is still listed as ‘probable’ to begin the week of practice. Miles should practice tomorrow. Chris will move around with our trainers (Monday) and get a better feel for his situation.”
Hilton is set to be a starting wide receiver alongside Kyren Lacy and transfer CJ Daniels, but if he’s not cleared by Sunday, Kelly circled a redshirt freshman as the player who would be most likely to earn the starting nod.
“Kyle Parker will be the next guy up in that situation,” Kelly said. “He’s had a great camp. Then we can move pieces around. Zavion Thomas (will get) more involved in what we do. We can move guys around. Aaron Anderson gets called on a little bit more, and you can bump Kyren out to the X, as well. We have a lot of moving pieces where guys can (step in).”
Beyond Hilton and Frazier, Kelly said there are no other LSU players – on the injury or non-injury fronts – expected to miss the opener against Southern Cal.
“There is nobody that has been practicing with us that (is not playing) for some reason other than injury,” Kelly said.
LSU heads into the opener on Sunday in Las Vegas ranked No. 13, while Southern Cal checked into the preseason AP Top 25 at No. 23.
