During LSU’s two-week preparation for the Alabama game on Nov. 5, the Tigers were missing a handful of players from Tuesday’s practice.
Junior wide receiver D.J. Chark and senior tight end Colin Jeter were absent, along with the Tigers’ starting fullback whom junior running back Leonard Fournette calls his “flashlight.” Junior J.D. Moore was watching practice and not participating, LSU coach Ed Orgeron said Tuesday during a post-practice news conference.
Orgeron said Chark missed practice because of a sprained finger; Jeter has a sprained wrist and Moore is nursing a cervical strain.
But overall, Orgeron thinks the team is in OK shape more than a week away from its yearly duel with Alabama.
“We’re pretty healthy,” Orgeron said. “[Offensive tackle] Toby [Weathersby] looked good. He went most of the reps. [Offensive guard Will] Clapp looked good. He went most the reps … Overall, I thought it was a pretty good day.”
Orgeron added he expects the offensive line to be “100 percent” healthy when LSU faces Alabama.
Senior outside linebacker Corey Thompson, who had knee surgery in August, will redshirt this season and apply for a sixth year of eligibility, Orgeron confirmed.
Thompson was able to participate in practice Tuesday, as well as junior linebacker Devin Voorhies, who also wore a yellow non-contact jersey.
Freshman offensive lineman Donavaughn Campbell was inactive versus Ole Miss and was seen before the game with a walking boot on his right ankle. On Monday, Campbell returned to practice with his ankle heavily wrapped as he participated in individual and team drills for “Competition Tuesday,” as Orgeron has coined the day.
Campbell has played in three games this season.
Weathersby, who injured his ankle in LSU’s 23-20 win versus Mississippi State, practiced with a yellow non-contact jersey, and participated during individual drills but not team drills. Weathersby’s ankle was heavily wrapped with tape for his on-going ankle rehab.
Clapp was also able to go through drills Monday, but had a brace wrapped around his right arm. Clapp injured his right shoulder against Ole Miss but was able to come back into the game after missing a few series.
After missing last week’s game because of a suspension, freshman safety Xavier Lewis returned to practice. Lewis is listed third on LSU’s depth chart behind senior defensive back Dwayne Thomas and junior safety John Battle.