Brian Kelly Provides Key Update on LSU Offensive Lineman’s Injury Status Ahead of Florida Clash

As LSU looks to bounce back from a tough 42-18 loss to Alabama, one of the team’s biggest questions heading into Saturday’s game against Florida is whether senior offensive lineman Garrett Dellinger will be available to suit up. Dellinger, who has been sidelined since suffering a high ankle sprain in the Tigers’ Oct. 26 loss to Texas A&M, is scheduled to test his injured ankle on Monday, giving LSU its first real sense of whether he’ll be ready for action when LSU travels to Gainesville.

Tightrope Surgery and the Road to Recovery

Dellinger’s injury was severe enough to require Tightrope surgery, a common procedure to address high ankle sprains. While the timing of the injury cast a shadow over LSU’s offensive line, coach Brian Kelly has maintained that the senior’s return is a possibility for this weekend. Kelly ruled Dellinger out for LSU’s game against Alabama, but now, as the Tigers face a Florida team that’s struggled to find consistency this season (currently 4-5), Dellinger’s potential return could be a much-needed boost.

“He’s going to test it on Monday, and we’ll get a better sense of where he’s at,” Kelly said. “If he’s able to go, it would be a big lift for us.”

The Impact of Dellinger’s Absence

Since Dellinger’s injury, LSU has had to make do without one of their most consistent linemen. Against Alabama, redshirt freshman Paul Mubenga filled in at left guard, a position Dellinger had manned for much of the season. While Mubenga showed flashes of promise, including impressive footwork for a first-time starter, the results were far from ideal.

In LSU’s loss to the Crimson Tide, Mubenga allowed four pressures, the most on the team, according to Pro Football Focus (PFF). The Tigers also struggled to establish any semblance of a running game to the left side, rushing just 14 yards on eight attempts. In comparison, LSU had averaged 5.1 yards per carry on runs to the left side with Dellinger in the lineup, underscoring just how significant his absence has been in both pass protection and the running game.

LSU’s offense, which has been inconsistent all season, struggled even more with Garrett Nussmeier under pressure. The Tigers’ quarterback was pressured 14 times against Alabama, the second-most in a game this year. Nussmeier threw two interceptions, lost a fumble, and was sacked twice, all signs that LSU’s offensive line simply couldn’t hold up against the Crimson Tide’s relentless pass rush.

Mubenga’s Experience and Growth

Despite the tough outing against Alabama, Kelly was encouraged by Mubenga’s performance. The freshman showed potential, and the experience will only help him moving forward.

“I thought Paul did some good things,” Kelly said. “He moves his feet very well. For a first-time starter, we were pleased with what he did, and I think he’s only going to improve from that experience.”

While Kelly’s optimism is warranted, it’s clear that LSU’s offensive line is at its best when Dellinger is in the lineup. His return would not only stabilize the line but also provide a veteran presence in a critical stretch of the season.

Florida’s Struggles and LSU’s Opportunity

At 4-5, Florida has been up and down this season, with an offense that has failed to find a consistent rhythm. LSU’s defense will need to capitalize on the Gators’ struggles, but the offense must also show it can protect Nussmeier and establish a balanced attack.

If Dellinger is able to return, it would immediately improve LSU’s offensive line, providing better protection for Nussmeier and creating more lanes for the running game. The Tigers’ offense has proven it can be explosive when everything is clicking, but it all starts up front.

LSU has been a different team with Dellinger on the field. The Tigers rushed for 5.1 yards per carry on runs to the left side with him, and the pass protection has been significantly more solid, allowing fewer pressures and sacks. With Florida’s defense capable of causing disruption, LSU will need all hands on deck to avoid a repeat of the mistakes made against Alabama.

Looking Ahead

With a critical game against the Gators on the horizon, Dellinger’s availability could be the difference between a bounce-back victory and another frustrating loss. If he’s able to play, LSU’s offensive line will get a much-needed boost, and the Tigers will have a much better chance at executing their game plan.

As Coach Kelly said, the team will know more about Dellinger’s status after his Monday test. For now, LSU fans are hopeful that their veteran lineman will be back in action just in time for the stretch run of the season.

Key Takeaways:

– Garrett Dellinger’s ankle injury, which required Tightrope surgery, has kept him out since late October, but he’s testing his ankle Monday to see if he can return for Saturday’s game against Florida.
– Dellinger’s absence was felt in LSU’s loss to Alabama, where redshirt freshman Paul Mubenga started in his place. Mubenga allowed four pressures, and the Tigers’ running game struggled on the left side.
– Dellinger has been a steady force on LSU’s offensive line, allowing fewer pressures and helping the team average 5.1 yards per carry on runs to the left side. His return would be a major boost for both the running and passing games.
– LSU faces Florida on the road this Saturday, and if Dellinger is able to go, it could be the spark the Tigers need to get their season back on track.