The reports of Sam Leavitt’s potential absence Saturday were greatly exaggerated.
No. 7 LSU (2-0) travels to Oxford, Miss., on Saturday with nearly its full complement of players available — including its starting quarterback — for its SEC opener at No. 8 Ole Miss (2-0).
Leavitt’s status dominated headlines for the better part of two days after he was listed as “doubtful” Wednesday night on the initial injury report for the contest after reportedly being held out of practice earlier that day.
He, like other players for both teams, was upgraded during the week and was not longer listed at all late Friday.
As expected, the Tigers will likely only be without wide receiver Phillip Wright III (Destrehan), linebacker/edge Jaiden Braker and running back Raycine Guillory Jr., while linebacker T.J. Dottery was listed as questionable and linebackers Davhon Keys and Tylen Singleton and right guard Aliou Bah as probable.
The final report for Ole Miss listed only cornerback Victor Lincoln Jr. and offensive lineman Emanuel Faulkner as out and cornerback Cedrick Beavers as doubtful.
Leavitt has led an offense that has shown explosive flashes due in no small part to abilities to extend or make plays with his legs and to drive the ball downfield to his speedy weapons, including a career-high 344 yards Saturday against Louisiana Tech.
His four interceptions through two contests, including three against the Bulldogs, have also been a major discussion point this week ahead of his and the team’s first road trip and SEC game, a highly anticipated showdown with coach Lane Kiffin’s previous program.
The transfer from Arizona State has completed 41 of his 66 passes thus far (62.1%) for 574 yards, two touchdowns and the four picks and has rushed 23 times for 135 yards and five more scores.
COMPLETE INJURY REPORT (FRIDAY NIGHT / FINAL)
LSU
OUT: WR Phillip Wright III, LB/EDGE Jaiden Braker, RB Raycine Guillory Jr.
QUESTIONABLE: LB T.J. Dottery
PROBABLE: LB Davhon Keys, OL Aliou Bah, LB Tylen Singleton
OLE MISS
OUT: CB Victor Lincoln Jr., OL Emanuel Faulkner
DOUBTFUL: CB Cedrick Beavers
