There were two LSU Tigers defensive backs who popped up on the initial injury report for game week against the Texas A&M Aggies.
The LSU Tigers released their initial injury report on Wednesday night ahead of their matchup against the Texas A&M Aggies this weekend. This will be an important win to snag, in order to ensure the team avoids a spiral after last week's loss.
There was no Sam Leavitt this time, so it will be nice to avoid the debacle from last week, when he appeared doubtful on the first one before ending up off it by Friday.
Starting with the players who are already listed as out, it's the group that was expected. Tight end Trey'Dez Green, defensive back Dashawn Spears and wide receiver Phillip Wright III will not play in this one. As previously reported, Spears and Wright are out for the year. There is hope that Green can return, which would be massive if the Tigers are able to keep this season afloat.
Like last week, though, there were a couple of unfortunate surprises in the report. Defensive backs Tamarcus Cooley (questionable) and Ja'Keem Jackson both popped up, and both would be impactful if they miss.
Cooley seems to have a better chance to play, as he is just is just questionable. With the loss of Spears for the year, Cooley becomes even more important. He saw 30 snaps in the slot against the Ole Miss Rebels, picking up that count once Spears left. He played a ton in the slot last year and is someone that Blake Baker really likes there.
No matter what, expect to see a lot more of Jhase Thomas and CJ Jimcoily with Cooley not up to 100%. LSU is likely to rotate a lot of players into that role, back at safety and whoever the third corner outside of DJ Pickett and PJ Woodland.
They need as many hands on deck as possible, so having two more defensive backs on top of Spears being out is brutal.
Ja'Keem Jackson is another one of players who was going to be called up to make up for any injury. He has played 50 snaps so far off the bench and has done well with a pass breakup back in Week 1 and a clutch interception last weekend against Trinidad Chambliss.
Given that the Aggies also lost last week, and the rushing attack is their biggest threat, the challenge won't be as difficult this time, but every team wants to have as many active players as possible.
