What We Know: LSU QB Garrett Nussmeier's injury

LSU starting quarterback Garrett Nussmeier was added to the injury report following Thursday’s practice.

Nussmeier aggravated a linger abdomen injury in Thursday afternoon’s LSU practice, interim head coach Frank Wilson said.

The Tigers face Arkansas on Saturday in Tiger Stadium, with kickoff set for 11:45 a.m. CT.

Wilson said Nussmeier was added to the injury report and listed as questionable to play against the Razorbacks. Later in the night, Nussmeier was the lone LSU player listed as questionable on the SEC’s official injury report.

“It’s a little bit concerning,” Wilson said. “It’s something we need to watch with him heading into the game.”

Nussmeier took the first-team quarterback reps in Thursday’s practice before the injury occurred.

LSU backup quarterback Michael Van Buren would be in line to start for the Tigers if Nussmeier were to be ruled out ahead of Saturday’s game, though Wilson said the expectation is Nussmeier would likely be available with a day’s rest between Thursday’s practice and Saturday’s SEC matchup with Arkansas.

Nussmeier has started every game this season, but with LSU sitting at 5-4 overall with three games remaining, Van Buren’s appearance in Tuscaloosa – marking the first time Nussmeier had been benched in two seasons – made it clear the Tigers had a quarterback shakeup set to play out across the final three games on the schedule.

Wilson said Van Buren had a strong week of practice after seeing his first game action a week ago. Prior to transferring to LSU this offseason, Van Buren started double-digit games as a true freshman at Mississippi State during the 2024 season.

During his FBS debut in purple-and-gold, Van Buren entered the Alabama game for Nussmeier midway through the third quarter, then played the remainder of the 20-9 loss. He finished the game 5-for-11 passing for 52 yards. He rushed for a long of nine yards, though a sack also led to a fumble and turnover.

Nussmeier left the game after going 18-for-21 passing for 121 yards. Neither LSU quarterback recorded a touchdown in a game when kicker Damian Ramos hit on three of his four field goal attempts.