LSU football: Brian Kelly issues updates on the offensive line

One of the biggest concerns around the LSU football program coming into the season was the lack of depth at certain positions. The Tigers brought in a plethora of players from the transfer portal, which resulted in the secondary being stocked with depth. The cornerback position is no longer one the coaching staff is concerned about, the defensive backs have done an excellent job of adjusting to the new system thus far.

Unfortunately, the Bayou Bengals’ concerns about the offensive line remain. LSU can get away with rotating the trenches in non-conference games. When it comes to Southeastern Conference matchups though, the Tigers need their big men on the lines in order to succeed. Head Coach Brian Kelly issued an update earlier this week on the status of the offensive line going forward.

LSU football: Brian Kelly issues latest updates on the offensive line

Two of LSU’s starting offensive linemen missed either all or a majority of the Tennessee game. This wasn’t the sole reason that the hosts were beaten 40-13, but it certainly put the Tigers behind the eight ball from the off.

Freshman left guard Will Campbell missed the contest after being hospitalized for symptoms of dehydration. Meanwhile, sophomore left guard Garrett Dellinger, who was just returning from a broken hand, exited the contest early on.

As things stand, it looks as if the latter will miss more game time than the former.

It was revealed by Kelly in a press conference on Monday that Dellinger suffered a second-degree MCL sprain against the Vols. The Clarkston, Michigan native is set to miss at least a couple of weeks as he recovers from his injury. Dellinger will be out at Florida and against Ole Miss. The Tigers are hopeful they will have their left guard back by the Alabama game.

Campbell’s status is more unknown at this moment in time. The freshman underwent a few more tests on Tuesday and he was recently released from the hospital. Kelly hinted that the team is still waiting on the results of said tests before determining his short-term status. The former Notre Dame coach noted that Campbell is progressing well though. He went on to claim on Wednesday that Campbell is in line to play against the Gators on Saturday.

All of this means that LSU is set to trot out its sixth different combination on the offensive line in seven games. Kelly hinted at it on Monday, but it’s nearly impossible to establish consistency when the starting line is a revolving door throughout the entirety of the season. Thankfully, the Tigers still have some time to figure it all out.

A 4-2 overall record can be deceptive. Make no mistake about it though, this is a rebuilding year at LSU. The Bayou Bengals are just beginning to lay down the foundation for its program going forward under Kelly. An emphasis will surely be put on restocking depth in the trenches from here on out after all of the injury concerns in that area this season.