LSU’s Defense Takes a Hit: Harold Perkins Out for 2024 Season with ACL Injury
Devastating Setback: LSU Star Harold Perkins Out for the Season with ACL Injury
LSU suffered a major blow to their defense as Head Coach Brian Kelly announced Monday that standout linebacker Harold Perkins would miss the remainder of the 2024 season due to a knee injury, believed to be related to his ACL. The news hits hard, as Perkins has been the cornerstone of LSU’s defense throughout his three years with the Tigers and was projected to be a first-round pick in the upcoming NFL Draft.
While the timeline for Perkins’ surgery and recovery is still uncertain, his absence leaves a significant void in LSU’s defense. This injury is the latest in a string of challenges for the Tigers’ front seven, who are already without defensive tackle Jacobian Guillory for the rest of the season.
What LSU will miss most with Perkins off the field is the immense attention he draws from opposing offenses. His presence creates opportunities for other defenders like Sai’vion Jones and Bradyn Swinson, who benefit from the space Perkins’ pressure generates. In the last two games alone, the Tigers’ defensive line recorded five sacks each against South Carolina and UCLA, a testament to Perkins’ ability to disrupt offensive schemes.
Now, LSU will need to rely on players like West Weeks, Greg Penn, and Major Burns, with possible contributions from promising freshmen such as Dom McKinley, to fill the leadership void and maintain the defensive line’s production.
The Tigers will get their first chance to test these adjustments this Saturday when they face South Alabama at Tiger Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:45 PM, and fans can catch the game on the SEC Network and the ESPN app.
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