Max Johnson remains day-to-day for LSU vs. Texas A&M
Texas A&M interim head coach Elijah Robinson said on Monday afternoon’s press conference that quarterback Max Johnson’s status for Saturday’s game against LSU is still “day-to-day”. Johnson has been sidelined for two straight games with a rib injury. The Tigers take on the Aggies at 11 a.m. on Saturday in Tiger Stadium.
If the SEC veteran is unable to play against his old school, the Aggies will likely once again turn to Jaylen Henderson, a transfer from Fresno State, to start on Saturday night. In two games, Henderson has completed 16-of-23 passes for 260 yards, two touchdowns and one interception, while rushing for 87 yards and two touchdowns on 24 attempts.
Max Johnson transferred from LSU to Texas A&M ahead of the 2022 season, looking for a new start in the final years of his career. In year one in College Station, Johnson played in four games, completing 43 of his 71 passes for 517 yards and three touchdowns in a QB room that rotated between him, Haynes King, and Connor Weigman.
To start year two, Johnson was the backup to talented underclassmen Connor Weigman, but a season-ending injury to Weigman thrust Johnson back into action in week four and made him the starter. Johnson was playing fine, but suffered a rib injury against Ole Miss that has held him out of the last two contests. On the season, Johnson is completing 62.1 percent of his passes for 1452 yards, nine touchdowns, and five interceptions.
Johnson has quality receivers with Ainias Smith, Moose Muhammad, and Jahdae Walker. Star receiver Evan Stewart has played eight games this season. He played against Abilene Christian last week but only had one catch for eight yards. It’s his only action in the past three games.
What to expect from LSU’s secondary
Sage Ryan played a quality game for LSU against Georgia State, but it was the play of three freshmen on the other side that intrigued Tiger fans on Saturday. Javien Toviano, Ashton Stamps, and Jeremiah Hughes all got significant reps and will look to turn those teaching moments into execution this weekend against a talented receiving corps.
For the young cornerbacks, practices against LSU’s receiver group has prepared them for everything they’ll see on Saturday, but in a game with significant stakes, the pressure is on to make some plays.
“I’m a firm believer in iron sharpens iron and going against Malik, BT, and Kyren, those are probably the best receivers you’re going to see all year,” Toviano said. “So it’s a great opportunity to practice against them every week and I feel myself improving.”
Stay tuned to The Bengal Tiger for the latest updates on everything LSU vs. Texas A&M ahead of kickoff.
