LSU received several positive updates on the injury front to start this week, but will be without one defensive standout for at least this week and potentially longer.
Former Evangel Christian star Gabriel Reliford, a key member of the Tigers’ defensive end rotation, will miss Saturday’s game at No. 13 Ole Miss (4-0, 1-0), coach Brian Kelly shared Monday.
The 6-foot-3, 265-pound sophomore is dealing with a shoulder injury that could require surgery that would sideline him for longer.
“Gabe Reliford has a subluxation of his shoulder, so he is out this week and then we will determine whether surgery is necessary or he can play with it,” Kelly said. “We certainly want to respect the fact that in this situation, a defensive lineman, we want to make sure he’s healthy in pass-rush. And if he can’t compete at the level he needs to, then we’ll look at the options in front of us, and surgery could be an option.”
The 2023 LSWA Class 4A Outstanding Defensive Player has been 10th on the team in tackles thus far this season with eight, including one for loss, as a member of an effective four-man edge-rushing group with Florida State transfer Patrick Payton, Florida transfer Jack Pyburn and Nebraska transfer Jimari Butler.
Kelly pointed to confidence in Dylan Carpenter (St. Amant), Damien Shanklin, C.J. Jackson and Kolaj Cobbins (Destrehan) as players who could play well in bigger roles — particularly fresh off a weekend in when Carpenter and Shanklin each recorded their first career sacks, including two for Shanklin.
“Dylan played quite a bit (Saturday), and we’re excited about Dylan,” he said. “We’ll take a look at C.J. and Kolaj. They’re both ready to play for us as well. We’ll take a look at Damien Shanklin. We think we have some really good options for that fourth position. We’ll miss Gabe this week certainly until we decide what his fate is moving forward relative to the shoulder. But we feel really good that we’re gonna be able to find that fourth guy through all the guys that I just mentioned.”
The coach does anticipate the return of veteran linebacker West Weeks to the defense after his calf issue suffered Sept. 13 against Florida.
Kelly listed Weeks at “90%” and “probable” for the game against the Rebels to start the week.
Sophomore tight end Trey’ Dez Green (Zachary) will return to the lineup, the coach said.
“He was pretty good in pregame, and then we felt like we could hold him back for another week,” Kelly said.
And the Tigers were also encouraged by the early indications on sophomore running back Caden Durham, who was banged up Saturday against Southeastern Louisiana.
“Caden Durham will be a day-to-day situation,” Kelly said. “He was better than we had first thought, doesn’t show the signs of a high-ankle, so he’s anxious to give it a shot and play. But we’ll monitor him throughout the week.”