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LSU running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire is battling a hamstring injury of some severity, and is considered “questionable” for the Peach Bowl match-up with Oklahoma on December 28.
Rumors spread around social media and message boards over the course of Wednesday, and Ed Orgeron gave some details today in a post-practice press conference. From Tiger Rag’s (since he’s not ours anymore) Adam Henderson:
Orgeron confirmed the injury, but said he didn’t know the extent of it.
“Clyde did get hurt yesterday,” Orgeron said. “I don’t know the extent of the injury, I was just talking with Jack (Marucci) about it, he went and got some tests today. We’re going to know a little bit more towards the end of the week. He did not practice today, he could not practice.”
“There was no contact. It was something that was unusual.”
Hamstring injuries tend to linger, even if they aren’t particularly severe, so it’s safe to say that Edwards-Helaire is a scratch from the College Football Playoff’s first round, at minimum. He’d developed into a major playmaker for the Tigers this season, and an All-SEC selection after rushing for more than 1,300 yards and 16 touchdowns this season to go with a school-record-tying 50 catches out of the backfield.
In fact, it’s his versatility in the passing game, and ability to work out of virtually every set, down and distance that will be most costly for LSU. Orgeron noted that it may take all three of LSU’s remaining tailbacks — sophomore Chris Curry and freshmen Tyrion Davis-Price and John Emery Jr. — to make up for Edwards-Helaire’s absence. And having to combine those three will lead to substitutions, which will in turn affect the offense’s tempo.
Sooners Suspend Three
Oklahoma will also be down three players due to suspensions — including the team’s leading sacker, defensive end Ronnie Perkins. From Sports Illustrated:
Oklahoma defensive end Ronnie Perkins, running back Rhamondre Stevenson and wide receiver Trejan Bridges have been suspended for a rules violation and will not play in the Peach Bowl, according to The Athletic’s Jason Kersey.
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When asked about the suspensions on Wednesday, coach Lincoln Riley said, “I’m aware of the report that is out there. Unfortunately at this time, I cannot comment on it.”
Perkins led the Sooners defensive line with six sacks and 13.5 tackles for a loss, while Stevenson was second among the team running backs in rushing with 515 yards and six touchdowns. Bridges had 7 catches for 82 yards and two scores on the year.