LSU defensive end Gabriel Reliford left the game against Southeastern Louisiana with an apparent upper body injury. Here's the latest on the injury and his status.
Gabriel Reliford injury update
Reliford left the game with 3:41 to go in the first quarter after making a tackle for loss on SLU running back Deantre Jackson. The play resulted in a 2-yard loss for the Lions and was Reliford's third tackle of the game and his second solo tackle.
After the play, the sophomore DE immediately pointed to his right shoulder and began running off the field. He held his right arm up at an awkward angle when exiting the field. He immediately entered the medical tent on the sidelines before making his way to the locker room. According to the broadcast, he is not slated to return to the action.
Reliford entered Week 4 with four QB pressures and four tackles on the year. He is a part of a dynamic LSU defensive front that has been solid so far this season. Along with Jack Pyburn, Patrick Payton, and Jimari Butler, the Tigers have a wealth of talent up front on the defensive side of the ball. According to PFF, Reliford is third on the team in snaps, trailing only Payton and Pyburn.
Reliford saw a steady increase in his usage last season, which culminated in a season-high 44 snaps in LSU's 44-31 Texas Bowl win over Baylor. In Reliford's absence, redshirt freshman Kolaj Cobbins, redshirt freshman CJ Jackson, and/or sophomore Dylan Carpenter could be in line for more snaps for Blake Baker's defense.