Garrett Nussmeier injury update: Brian Kelly reveals status of LSU QB after bye week

LSU‘s bye week could not have come at a better time for Garrett Nussmeier. Still working his way through an injury, head coach Brian Kelly knew rest was needed. After all, a tough stretch of SEC games is coming up, and if LSU is going to perform well, Nussmeier is needed.

Monday brought the latest update on Nussmeier from Kelly, revealing exactly what took place during the break. Nussmeier continues to be engaged with the team, just not as much on the field. Still, an overall positive report from Kelly.

“He’s feeling better and better,” Nussmeier said. “We didn’t do a lot with him last week. We wanted to use that as a recovery week for him. Obviously, did a lot with VR, stayed involved in everything that we’re doing — run game checks, splits checks, things of that nature. But we just cut him down from the throwing… Our expectations after talking to him is that he feels good and he’s ready to go.”

Following the Ole Miss loss on Sept. 27, Nussmeier did not want to discuss his health postgame. Kelly previously revealed the abdominal issue stemmed from just before the season opener against Clemson. Nussmeier played through it all, bringing mixed results — personally and for the Tigers.

In five games, Nussmeier is completing 67.3% of his throws for 1,159 yards, seven touchdowns, and three interceptions. Numbers do not tell the full story, though, especially against Ole Miss. A lot is being put on Nussmeier’s shoulders at the moment due to LSU’s inability to run the ball. Pressure is constantly in his face on a large portion of drop-backs.

“I mean, the quarterback is going to get micro-managed when you lose games,” Kelly said on Sept. 28. “I get that. Look, all I can tell you is, you know, he’s healthy. And, you know, again, I think he would tell you, just like Tyree Adams would tell you, just like Chris Hilton would tell you, Bauer Sharp would tell you. We need to play better and more consistent on the offensive side of the ball.”

Nussmeier thankfully gets a comfortable setting next time he steps back on the field. LSU plays host to South Carolina, a rematch of last year’s early-season thriller. Not many things in college football are as fun as a Saturday night in Death Valley. And with a 6:45 p.m. CT kickoff, another one is on deck.