The LSU Football Injury Report: Brian Kelly Updates Chris Hilton, Kyle Parker

LSU wide receivers Chris Hilton and Kyle Parker remain sidelined, Kelly hints at Shelton Sampson needing to step up.

Sep 24, 2022; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; LSU Tigers wide receiver Chris Hilton Jr. (17) catches a pass against the New Mexico Lobos during the first half at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports / stephen lew-usa today sports

LSU head coach Brian Kelly addressed the media on Tuesday afternoon following the Tigers' loss to the USC Trojans in Week 1.

Now, it's about turning the page and gearing up for a Week 2 contest against the Nicholls State Colonels in the home opener.

The Bayou Bengals were without star wide receiver Chris Hilton on Sunday against the Trojans. What's his status moving forward? Are there other injuries to keep tabs on?

The Injury Report: Week 2 Edition

Princeton Malbrue: Out (Knee)

LSU reserve linebacker/defensive end Princeton Malbrue suffered a "serious" kneee injury on Sunday against USC.

Malbrue will continue undergoing imaging and testing over the next few days with the training staff set to provide Kelly with an update in the coming days.

Kyle Parker: Doubtful (Elbow)

LSU redshirt-freshman wide receiver Kyle Parker is doubtful for Week 2 against the Nicholls State Colonels with a UCL injury.

Parker is expected to return in the coming weeks, according to Kelly, but is doubtful for this weekend against an in-state foe.

A player who took that next step this offseason, LSU fell back on Parker to run with the first-team with Chris Hilton out with an ankle injury.

“It’s really about this consistent performance level … play in and play out that gives us the trust and confidence that we’re going to get when it’s time to perform," Kelly said last week of Parker. "That’s what Kyle has showed us. [He's been a} much more consistent ball catcher, much more consistent on the perimeter in blocking, route running.

“[Parker is] a guy you can trust now. I don’t think we have to live with mistakes with a guy like Kyle Parker. He can operate at a high level for us.”

Now, it's about getting healthy and back on the field sooner rather than later.

Chris Hilton: Status Uncertain (Ankle)

LSU WR Chris Hilton missed the Tigers' Week 1 matchup against USC after dealing with a bone bruise in his ankle to close out camp. After suffering the injury during Week 3 of Fall Camp, Hilton has been sidelined for the last two weeks.

"He's running. If he was an offensive lineman, he's playing. But he's an elite player," Kelly said on Tuesday. "We'll see how he goes through the week. I want to make sure he's 100% before we put him back out there."

Kelly reiterated Hilton's status last Wednesday during his weekly appearance on the SEC Teleconference with the staff hoping he could be good to go on Sunday, which he was unable to suit up for.

“We had (about an hour practice on Monday) and he was working on getting in and out of routes, precision work,” Kelly said on Wednesday. “We’ll accelerate that to the next phase, and we’ll see where he is. I know he wants to play. I know he’s working towards playing on Sunday. We’ll see how the week goes.”

Hilton put the pads on for last Wednesday's practice where he tested out his mobility and progression, but was unable to go. Now, it's about getting ready for Week 2.

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