Injury Report: LSU Football vs. Mississippi State in Week 3 Matchup

Brian Kelly provides an injury report on two key Tigers, youngsters must step up against the Bulldogs.

LSU head coach Brian Kelly addressed the media on Thursday and provided updates on two key starters ahead of Saturday's matchup against Mississippi State in Starkville. 

The Tigers will rely on a handful of youngsters to carry the workload in the SEC opener, but who must step up in order for this program to walk away with a victory?

The Injury Report:

TE Mason Taylor: Questionable 

LSU starting tight end Mason Taylor exited the Tigers' Week 2 showdown against Grambling State after suffering an ankle sprain in the first half. 

Kelly listed Taylor as a game-time decision ahead of the SEC opener, and after taking it slow in practice this week, LSU's TE1's status remains in question.

Who will step up in his place? A trio of freshmen. The Tigers will fall back on Mac Markway, Ka'Morreun Pimpton and Jackson McGohan to carry the weight with Taylor's nagging ankle injury, even if he does suit up in Starkville. 

Along with the freshmen, look for JUCO TE Connor Gilbreath to get a few reps under his belt in blocking sets. 

LB Omar Speights: Doubtful 

There have been a few questions surrounding the second-level of defense, namely due to the misuse of Harold Perkins, but first-year Tiger Omar Speights will be a piece to monitor as SEC play arrives.

As for Saturday, Speights' status remains in doubt. The Oregon State transfer exited LSU's Week 2 matchup against Grambling State with injury, remaining on the sidelines in street clothes for the second half. 

Next in line to fill his role will be Greg Penn III, West Weeks and Whit Weeks. LSU will rely on Penn to carry much of the load alongside Perkins in the SEC opener. 

As for the Weeks Bros., it's evident Kelly is prepared to let the two take their fair share of reps as well. Look for this coaching staff to go deep in their rotation at linebacker in Week 3.