So long, Sam Montgomery.
 
The redshirt freshman defensive end will miss the remainder of the season with torn ligaments in his right knee, LSU football coach Les Miles said Wednesday.
 
Montgomery, who had an MRI on Monday, suffered the injury in the first quarter of last weekend’s game against the Tennessee Volunteers on a low block while rushing the passer.
 
“It looks like it’s a very significant knee surgery. We wouldn’t expect he will play until next fall,” Miles said.
 
Montgomery had an instant impact on the defense in his first five career games with the Tigers. He started all five games, registering 18 tackles and two sacks, and is tied for the team in tackles for a loss with six.
 
The Greenwood, S.C., native is expected to have knee surgery to repair the ligaments, although
Miles said no timetable is set.
 
“Everybody misses Sam. I think we understand crisis and the injury,” Miles said. “Our team understands that you have to step by some of those distractions to play well.”
 
Sophomores Lavar Edwards and Chancey Aghayere, along with redshirt freshman Barkevious Mingo, are the leading candidates to fill in for Montgomery.
 
Miles said there has been discussion this week regarding a possible change in offensive coordinator Gary Crowton’s location in the stadium. He is normally in the coaches’ box above the field for games.
 
“We talked about possibly being on the field for Coach Crowton  … and more for the quarterbacks than anything,” Miles said. “We’re still talking about it. Nothing’s been done officially, and I’m not certain that will work.”
 
Miles made clear there isn’t a communication issue with Crowton but added the move would benefit junior quarterbacks Jordan Jefferson and Jarrett Lee.
 
“The issue is … making sure the quarterbacks get the information and have somebody to visit with immediately,” Miles said.
 
With Montgomery now out for the year, freshman linebacker Justin Maclin has moved to defensive end to give LSU more depth.
 
Miles would not reveal whether the former four-star recruit from Memphis, Tenn., would actually see the field.
 
“I’m not really sure, to be honest with you,” Miles said. “I’ll review that tomorrow with the defensive staff.”
 
 
 
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Contact Sean Isabella at [email protected]