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As LSU tries to make a comeback bid for the College Football Playoff, linebacker Whit Weeks continues to make incremental progress in the team’s availability reports.
Weeks was categorized as “questionable” for the Tigers’ game against Texas in the Southeastern Conference’s initial release for the week. The senior defender has been sidelined since he suffered a lower-leg injury against Texas A&M on Sept. 26.
Weeks was listed as “doubtful” on multiple SEC availability reports in the days leading up to last week’s game against Alabama. The senior was inevitably ruled out the Friday night before a 31-13 loss.
LSU could also return another injured defender this Saturday, because defensive end Gabriel Reliford, who suffered an ACL tear in March during spring practice, was listed as probable for the Texas game. LSU coach Lane Kiffin previously said it was unlikely Reliford would return to play this season.
Right tackle Weston Davis, who was knocked out by an injury versus Alabama, was also listed as probable for Texas.
A listing of “questionable” is supposed to confer that an athlete has about a 50% chance of suiting up for that week’s game. “Doubtful” means closer to a 25% chance — and an “out” designation means a player has been ruled out completely.
LSU, ranked No. 21 by the CFP selection committee, could use all the help it can get as it prepares to face No. 6 Texas and No. 8 Tennessee in back-to-back weeks. The Tigers (6-3, 3-3 SEC) face the Longhorns in Tiger Stadium but have to travel to Knoxville, Tennessee, to face the Volunteers. LSU closes the regular season at Arkansas.
Aside from Weeks, LSU is without safety Dashawn Spears, receiver Phillip Wright and linebacker Charles Ross, who have all suffered season-ending injuries. But the Tigers remain relatively healthy otherwise, especially since tight end Trey’Dez Green’s return.
Freshman defensive tackle Richard Anderson, who missed the Auburn and Alabama contests, was also listed as out on Wednesday’s report.