Les Miles: Injury isn’t a high ankle sprain
By JAMES MORAN
Tiger Rag Associate Editor
The hits keep on coming for LSU.
Heisman-hopeful tailback Leonard Fournette is in a walking boot after suffering a “slight” ankle sprain in a scrimmage Tuesday, Les Miles told reporters after practice. The injury occurred when a defender “laid on him” after a run up the middle.
“Leonard Fournette got a slight sprain. He’s in a boot. Some of the healing going,” he said. “It’s not terrible.”
The coach divulged the injury without being asked, which isn’t typical. Miles didn’t offer any time frame for Fournette’s return to practice, though he specified it wasn’t a high ankle sprain.
“I don’t know at this point,” Miles said, pressed for a potential return date. “In his words, he’ll be fine.”
Minor or not, Fournette is the fourth reported injury to hit LSU through the first two weeks of fall camp. Christian LaCouture and Isaiah Washington have been lost for the season to knee injuries. Corey Thompson is expected to miss the start of the season with a lower leg injury.
Despite the rash of leg injuries, Miles gave no indication he’ll change the way LSU handles preseason practices.
“The process of how we prepare teams has been tried and true here,” Miles said. “We’re not varying it much. Sometimes the odds don’t play in your favor.”
NEWS + NOTES
– Miles confirmed two of his players missed practice over the weekend to assist their families in the wake of devastating floods in and around Baton Rouge. One was freshman tight end Caleb Roddy, who is from Denham Springs. Miles also mentioned receiver Russell Gage’s family is staying in a shelter.
– Asked about family, Miles mentioned his brother and two nieces — his sister’s children — had to evacuate their homes in Gonzalez amid rising water. “What a great brother I’ve been,” the coach joked. “He texted me. Cell phone wasn’t working. Texted me on my work number and I’m without it for a day and the half. He says, ‘Come pick me up.’ Two hours later, he says, ‘I’m good, thanks anyway.’ I’m a bad brother.”
– Travonte Valentine practiced in full pads, meaning he’s completed his NCAA-mandated acclimation period. Asked for his thoughts on the 340-pound nose tackle, Miles answered: “Thick, strong, tough to block.” Miles also noted Valentine didn’t practice Tuesday, as he was in class for an intersession course he’s taking to gain full eligibility.
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