Rashard Lawrence Out For Chattanooga

In an understandably low-key press conference on Thursday, LSU head coach Ed Orgeron announced that sophomore defensive end Rashard Lawrence will sit out this weekend’s home opener with Chattanooga.

Orgeron declined comment when asked about Lawrence's status for next week, repeating his original answer. The Tigers travel to play Mississippi State in the Southeastern Conference opener.

"Rashard will not play this week," Orgeron said.

Lawrence, along with several other Tiger defenders, were the targets of frequent cut blocks last week against BYU. He was spotted limping late in the game, though I can’t recall him missing much time. Sitting him in a week like this makes perfect sense, especially with a conference opener looming. As it is, linebacker Arden Key has been speculated to return next week against Mississippi State. No word as to whether that is the case for Lawrence.

Redshirt freshman Glen Logan will start. Depending on how quickly Lawrence returns, that could be a positive for depth in the long run.