Brian Kelly provides update on Maason Smith's injury following Florida State loss

by:Austin Brezina•09/04/22•

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Brian Kelly provided an update on LSU star defender Maason Smith, who suffered a non-contact injury to his knee while celebrating a play against Florida State. Smith left the game during their first defensive series after jumping in the air and landing awkwardly, and did not return to the game. Smith was seen on crutches on the sideline in the second half, and Kelly explained that he will need an MRI tomorrow.

Brian Kelly gives update on Maason Smith injury

“Brian Kelly says Maason Smith had a knee injury and he’ll need an MRI tomorrow,” explained The Athletic‘s Brody Miller.

Smith jumped into the air in the first quarter while celebrating a big stop on second down, and landed awkwardly on his left leg. He was visibly hobbled after the landing and eventually went down to the ground on the field. During an injury timeout, Smith was taken to the injury tent and his status for the remainder of the game was uncertain.

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While self-inflicted injuries are always tough to swallow, Smith’s celebration wasn’t particularly dangerous as he only jumped in the air. The injury came directly after one of the biggest defensive plays of the night — ultimately leading to a missed Florida State field goal.

Shortly afterwards, Smith left the injury tent and was visibly upset — walking into the locker rooms under his own power. As of the end of the first quarter, it was unclear exactly what his injury was or how severe LSU felt it was.

During the first quarter, ESPN’s Katie George provided a grim update on Smith’s status.

“After spending some time in the medical tent, Mason Smith unfortunately came out and looked visibly upset,” George said. “He gingerly walked himself to the locker room and is now being evaluated.”

Now, Kelly has confirmed that it was a knee injury that Smith suffered — and an MRI on Monday will allow the team to know exactly how much damage he sustained and what his recovery timeframe will be.