Ed Orgeron updates status of the three missing LSU offensive linemen

LSU head football coach Ed Orgeron expects to get some reinforcements back on the offensive line fairly soon. The Tigers have been dealing with multiple injuries up front to begin the season, and LSU seems likely to get at least one contributor back on the offensive line Saturday against Central Michigan.

“I expect to get Chasen Hines back for sure,” Orgeron told reporters on Monday. “Austin Deculus, maybe. We’ll just have to see how the week goes on. And Cam Wire is out for the game.”

Hines is a senior that usually starts at right guard for LSU with the versatility to play anywhere along the interior. Deculus is a fifth-year senior, and he is in his fourth season as LSU’s starting right tackle as the most experienced player on the roster. Wire came into the year expecting to start at left tackle, but can also play almost anywhere on the line.

OL reinforcements could help improve LSU’s rushing attack

LSU has been very inconsistent offensively to begin the season, especially in the running game. In the Tigers’ season opening loss to UCLA, they rushed for just 49 yards on 25 carries, a poor two yards per carry. The rushing offense got a little bit better in week two against McNeese but was still not at the level it needs to be. In week two, LSU averaged just 3.5 yards per carry. Corey Kiner led the way with 56 yards and a touchdown on 11 carries, but the rushing attack was not great behind him.

With LSU dealing with multiple injuries on the offensive line, it has been tough for the offense to perform at a high level so far. Orgeron hopes that getting some offensive linemen back can help spark an inconsistent offense.

“I do believe that we have the athletes on offense that can go,” Orgeron said. “It all starts with protection first. That’s mainly where our breakdowns have been.”

LSU lost and gained a running back Monday

Orgeron announced on Monday that former five star running back John Emery Jr. will likely miss the remainder of the season due to academic issues. Emery had not played yet this season. The running back is seeking reconsideration from the NCAA, but as things currently stand, Emery is done for the season.

LSU is hoping to get running back Kevontre Bradford back this weekend, though. Bradford began his career last season at LSU. After the season, he transferred to Oklahoma. But in August, he re-entered the NCAA Transfer Portal and ultimately re-enrolled at LSU. Orgeron expects Bradford to be deemed eligible for Saturday’s game.

Bradford, paired with the reinforcements coming soon on the offensive line, will hopefully give LSU’s a needed boost.