GAME DAY: LSU football injury report vs. Grambling State

The LSU football home opener versus Grambling State is officially just hours away. While last week’s game didn’t go exactly as many fans had hoped, one very good thing did come out of it. The team is largely healthy, with very few injuries remaining. For today’s LSU football injury report, we’ll touch on the availability of players such as Armoni Goodwin and Maason Smith.

LSU football injury report: Out (Non-Injury)

• Senior RB John Emery Jr

The LSU football running back room is slowly coming back into form, but it’s not quite there yet. Senior John Emery Jr has been out for a good chunk of the offseason, but according to coach Brian Kelly, will be back for next week’s game versus Mississippi State.

We don’t have specifics on what is keeping him off the field, but Kelly expressed that he’s on the right track. Last week, when speaking with the media, he said, “John is in good standing with the program. He’s done everything that we’ve asked him to do.”

Probable (Injury)

• Junior RB Armoni Goodwin
• Sophomore WR Aaron Anderson

While the running back room isn’t quite at 100 percent, it’s getting awfully close at the very least. Coach Brian Kelly announced earlier this week that running back Armoni Goodwin has been upgraded to probable, meaning we very well could see him this evening.

Last season, Goodwin suffered a season-ending injury and has been battling with his hamstring throughout the offseason. However, with his imminent return, the Tiger running backs are regaining some significant experience.

Additionally, wide receiver Aaron Anderson is also probable heading into tonight. We don’t know precisely what the injury concern was, but with the “probable” title, it shouldn’t be too much of a problem.

“Yeah, Goodwin is upgraded to probable, and I think Anderson as well. Both of those guys are probable,” Kelly said in this week’s press conference.

Available

• Junior DT Maason Smith
• Sophomore CB Denver Harris
• Freshman OT Zalance Heard

One of the most exciting parts heading into this week’s matchup versus Grambling State is the players that could see the field for LSU football.

Defensive tackle Maason Smith is officially back from his one-game suspension and will play around 30 snaps as he works his way back. Additionally, cornerback Denver Harris has been announced as available. Harris is a high-potential player who many Tiger fans have big expectations for over the next year or two.

Finally, freshman offensive tackle Zalance Heard could see some significant snaps this evening. If he does, expect to see him at right tackle, with Emery Jones Jr shifting into one of the guard positions. Here is what coach Brian Kelly had to say about the stud freshman:

“Yeah, I think the plan is to get him in, certainly, with the first unit and see how that mix goes as well. Look, I think part of it was to take an offensive tackle going against Florida State’s defensive ends didn’t seem to be the smartest thing to do in week one, but I think in week two, this is a good opportunity to get him in and give him an opportunity to play a little bit. So, I’m excited about getting the chance to see him play.”

The LSU football home opener versus Grambling State kicks off this evening at 6:30 p.m. CST at Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, LA. The game will be available to watch live on ESPN+.

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