Garrett Nussmeier injury update: Brian Kelly updates status for Week 4

Many wondered why the LSU offense was struggling three games into the season. Brian Kelly recently may have provided an inside peek as to why, revealing quarterback Garrett Nussmeier is dealing with a torso injury. Nussmeier played through the pain to this point, helping the Tigers start 3-0.

Next up in Baton Rouge is Southeastern Louisiana. A game almost nobody will pick against LSU, Kelly was asked if there is any thought to sit Nussmeier. He believes getting Nussmeier out there is important, considering this is his first healthy week in a while.

“I think he needs to play,” Kelly said via the SEC Coaches Teleconference. “Garrett wants to play, he’s capable of playing. As I said, the torso injury slowed him up and it slowed up, in some instances, the development of the offense too because we needed to be very careful with him. We knew we had two, in particular, very, very difficult games with Clemson on the road and a charged-up Florida team.

“We dialed back practice, we dialed back what we were doing to make sure that we protected him. He’s now on the other side of it because we were able to do that. This week is an opportunity for him. He’s doing some things in practice he hasn’t been able to do in the last month. We’re pretty excited about what he could do this weekend.”

Nussmeier is completing about 65% of his throws, going for 689 yards, three touchdowns, and two interceptions. One of those came in the Florida game, being a real head-scratcher of a decision. In a broken-down play, Nussmeier decided to throw across his body, placing the ball right in the hands of a Gators defender.

LSU seemingly possessed the ability to be one of college football’s best units. Not just because of Nussmeier’s ability but the wide receiver group around him. Even the running back room provided excitement if the offensive line could gel. However, it’s all looked a step off, and the injury might be an explanation.

Instead of resting for Sept. 27’s showdown against Ole Miss, Kelly wants Nussmeier out there against Southeastern Louisiana. Maybe a “get right” situation for everyone. Because with how well Lane Kiffin has the Rebels firing, plenty of points are going to be scored in Oxford. Nussmeier needs to be at the top of his game to walk out of Vaught Hemingway Stadium with a win.