LSU’s season-opening win over Miami is proving to be a costly one.
Outside linebacker K’Lavon Chaisson will be out for the remainder of the season due to a knee injury, LSU coach Ed Orgeron announced Tuesday at his weekly press luncheon.
“We’ve lost K’Lavon for the year,” Orgeron said. “I just met with K’Lavon and talked to his grandmother. I feel bad for him. Great young man who had totally dedicated himself to this year, but he is going to get through this. This will pass for him and he will have a great career down the road.
“I know his teammates are very sad that he’s going to be out the rest of the year, but we’ve got to step up and guys will step up at that position.”
Orgeron didn’t specify what the knee injury was, but a source confirmed its a torn ACL. News leaked out to multiple national outlets moments before the coach stepped to the podium.
Chaisson went down in the fourth quarter of LSU’s 33-17 win on Sunday night. Trainers initially called for the medical cart to get Chaisson as he laid on the ground in the AT&T Stadium end zone, but the linebacker got to his feet and walked off the field under his own power.
“Thanks to everyone who sent out thoughts and prayers!” Chaisson tweeted shortly after the news became public. “It’s a tough thing to handle but I’m surely not alone. I ask that you keep sending blessings and prayers my way as we trust in the Lord and his plan. See y’all next season!”
Losing Chaisson is a devastating blow to LSU’s pass rush. Hailed as the heir apparent to Arden Key — teammates predicted preseason that Chaisson would break Key’s single-season sack record of 12 — Chaisson totaled five tackles and a sack against the Hurricanes.
Sophomore Andre Anthony replaced Chaisson for the latter stages of the fourth quarter on Sunday night. Sophomore Ray Thornton, who can play both outside linebacker spots, JUCO transfer Travez Moore and freshman Jarell Cherry could also see time at the ‘Buck’ spot.
“We have several guys there,” Orgeron said. “That is a spot we have some depth at. We’re going to see this week who is the best guy to put at that position.”
LSU will return to the practice field Tuesday after ahead of Saturday’s hope opener against Southeastern Louisiana.
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