After a tough defeat to USC in their 2024 season opener on Sunday, LSU faced further disappointment on Tuesday when veteran running back John Emery Jr. suffered a knee injury during practice.
According to ESPN’s Mark Schlabach, Emery has torn the ACL in his left knee, effectively ending his season with the Tigers. This new injury comes on the heels of a torn ACL in his right knee, sustained in a game against Florida on November 11 of the previous year.
The timing of Emery’s injury is particularly disheartening as he had just started to make an impact in LSU’s Week 1 loss to USC, where he rushed for 61 yards on 10 carries and caught a pass for 10 yards. His performance suggested he would play a crucial role in LSU’s offensive plans this season, but now his football future is uncertain.
Emery, who has been with LSU since 2019, has been a steady performer despite not reaching elite status. Over 38 career games with the Tigers, he has amassed 1,453 total yards, averaged 5.6 yards per touch, and scored 16 touchdowns, including eight in the 2022 season.
With the possibility of another year of eligibility, Emery could potentially return to LSU for the 2025 season. However, the road to recovery will be long and arduous, and he will need to consider whether he wants to endure another extensive rehabilitation period.
The severe nature of this injury not only impacts Emery’s physical health but also raises questions about his mental resilience and future in football. As he faces the prospect of a lengthy recovery, Emery will have to weigh his options while supporting the Tigers from the sidelines as they vie for a spot in the College Football Playoff National Championship.
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