LSU RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire's Status in Question After Injury

The status of LSU's standout running back is in question for the playoff semifinal vs Oklahoma.

LSU could be without a key piece in its CFP semifinal game against Oklahoma. Running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire suffered an injury at practice Tuesday, multiple sources told Sports Illustrated, putting his playing status in doubt for the Dec. 28 Peach Bowl. Coach Ed Orgeron confirmed the news during a news conference Wednesday night in Baton Rouge.

The severity of the injury—believed to be a hamstring—is enough that many around the program expect him to miss the game against the Sooners. Orgeron told reporters he's uncertain of the extent of the injury and called Edwards-Helaire "questionable." He could not practice Wednesday, the coach said, and he's expected to undergo tests.

While Orgeron listed Edwards-Helaire as questionable for the semifinal, many around the #LSU program are not expecting him to play against #Oklahoma.

The goal is to try to have him return for a potential national championship game.

— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) December 18, 2019

Edwards-Helaire, a junior and the Tigers’ leading rusher, is responsible for much of LSU’s ground attack in the program’s top-ranked offense. He’s averaging 99 yards a game, having scored 16 touchdowns, just 10 yards from eclipsing the 1,300-yard mark.

The Baton Rouge native stole the nation’s attention during a LSU’s 46–41 win at Alabama. He had 103 yards rushing, 77 more in receiving and scored four times. Edwards-Helaire’s reserves are both freshmen. Tyrion Davis-Price and John Emery have combined for 452 yards this season on 96 carries.