Chris Hilton Jr. was the lone player injured as the LSU football team took the field on Sunday night due to a bone bruise. Being the team’s fastest player, Hilton may have made a difference because USC would have had to accommodate his pace.
Redshirt freshman Kyle Parker earned his first start for the Tigers in lieu of Chris Hilton Jr. Parker’s brief appearance was limited to his departure from the game due to what seemed to be an elbow ailment at the time. Due to a UCL injury, Brian Kelly declared Parker doubtful for Saturday night’s game on Tuesday. Although Tommy John surgery is typically linked to UCL injuries in baseball, Kelly stated that Parker should be back playing in the coming weeks.
Following Parker’s departure from the game, Aaron Anderson and Zavion Thomas were used extensively. They both looked good on Sunday, and while Chris Hilton Jr. will probably start again, we’ll probably see them receive some reps as well. Brian Kelly did mention that the Tigers want Shelton Sampson to step up, so this weekend, we should see him on the field.
On the other hand, outside linebacker Princeton Malbrue of the Tigers is seriously injured. The Junior will go through additional testing this week after suffering what Brian Kelly described as a serious knee injury, which is troubling.
With the exception of Parker and Malbrue, the Tigers appear to be totally healthy and prepared for game two.
LSU has to remain well this week.
The main worry after that, aside from the apparent necessity that LSU win this weekend, is being healthy. As always, you wish for health because the Tigers cannot afford to lose a significant player in a game that the reserves could win. Chris Hilton Jr. should be given the opportunity by the Tigers, but if there’s a chance of a relapse, the team would be better served by Hilton delaying his debut for an extra week.
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