LSU linebacker Harold Perkins Jr. will miss the rest of the 2024 season after suffering a torn ACL during the team’s win over UCLA. Perkins, who was expected to declare for the NFL Draft after the season, went down in the first quarter while trying to make a tackle. Head coach Brian Kelly expressed regret for the injury but believes the team has other players who can step up in Perkins’ absence. Perkins, who was a preseason AP All-America selection, had impressive stats in his first two seasons with LSU.
With Perkins out, sophomore Whit Weeks is expected to take on a larger role in the linebacker position. West Weeks and JK Johnson are also on the Tigers’ depth chart, offering additional options for filling the gap left by Perkins’ absence. The team will face South Alabama next before entering the heart of the SEC schedule. LSU has already defeated South Carolina earlier in the season, with their only loss coming against USC in the first game. The team will need to rely on its depth and talent to continue to compete at a high level without Perkins on the field.
The injury to Perkins is a significant loss for LSU, as he was a key player on the team’s defense. His absence will be felt as the team navigates through the rest of the season, especially during the challenging SEC schedule. Perkins had been a standout performer in his first two seasons with the Tigers, making a name for himself as a talented linebacker. The team will need to find ways to compensate for his absence and adjust their game plan accordingly.
Coach Brian Kelly expressed confidence in the team’s ability to overcome Perkins’ injury, noting that they have other talented players who can step up to fill the void. While Perkins’ absence will be notable, the team is prepared to face the challenge head-on and continue to compete at a high level. With additional players like Whit Weeks and JK Johnson ready to step up, LSU is poised to navigate through the rest of the season and remain competitive in the SEC.
LSU’s upcoming game against South Alabama will provide an opportunity for the team to showcase its depth and resilience in the face of adversity. The Tigers will need to rally together and demonstrate their ability to adapt to the loss of a key player like Perkins. Despite the setback, the team remains determined to push forward and continue their pursuit of success in the remainder of the season. As they face upcoming challenges in the SEC, LSU will rely on their collective talent and determination to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals on the field.
