Earlier this week, Brian Kelly revealed that LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier hasn't been 100% so far this season. Kelly said that the veteran QB is dealing with a torso injury, and that he can't shut it down until a bye week. That doesn't come for another two weeks, as LSU is slated to host Southeastern Louisiana this Saturday before heading to Oxford for a massive road game at No. 13 Ole Miss on Sept. 27.
Kelly added that Nussmeier hasn't been listed on an injury report yet because he hasn't been limited in practice. However, the LSU head coach stated that Nussmeier will be a bit limited throughout this week. But come game day, Kelly expects Nussmeier to be "full-go" on Saturday against the Lions.
Given that LSU should be able to easily take care of business against SLU this weekend, should Nussmeier sit out and try to get as healthy as possible before the Ole Miss game next week? It's something that Tiger fans are discussing, and something that Kelly doesn't expect to happen. He expects Nussmeier to play, saying he needs the game reps.
Asked Brian Kelly about the idea of sitting Garrett Nussmeier against SLU to let him heal. He said Nuss is "on the other side" of the torso injury and needs the game reps.
— Wilson Alexander (@whalexander_) September 17, 2025
"This week is an opportunity for him. He's doing some things in practice he hasn't done in the last month."
Should Garrett Nussmeier play against SLU this weekend?
This weekend's matchup against FCS Southesatern Louisiana is nothing more than a glorified scrimmage. Betting odds aren't even available for the in-state matchup, and ESPN Analytics matchup predictor gives LSU a 98.5% chance to win. It can essentially be viewed as a tune-up game before heading to Ole Miss next weekend. That can still be beneficial, as the LSU offense is still working out the kinks early on this season. The Tiger offense hasn't played up to its potential through three games, and Tiger fans know Nussmeier and company are capable of much more.
But is it worth risking potential further injury for Nussmeier in order to work out some kinks against an FCS team? Hunter Palmer from 104.5 ESPN Baton Rouge says absolutely not.
❌ There is no reason why Garrett Nussmeier should play in the game vs Southeastern
— 104.5 ESPN (@1045espn) September 15, 2025
🏈 Brian Kelly revealed today that Nuss is playing through a torso injury and will continue to do so until the bye week
⬇️ Do you think it’s worth it??#LSU #LSUFootball #Heisman #GeauxTigers pic.twitter.com/1nezlmIt9W
"There's no reason to put him out there against an FCS team," said Palmer. "If you're not going to give me my way where he sits the whole week, at least let him sit the second half. Everything needs to be done to get him into the best shape he can be in, and that doesn't mean going through four practices this week and then go play Southeastern on Saturday. He needs to sit."
Even if Kelly follows his plan and starts Nussmeier on Saturday, it would be surprising to see him play the whole game. The Tigers should be able to get out to a big lead, which can make room for Nussmeier to sit for the second half.
LSU's backup QB is Michael Van Buren Jr, who transferred to LSU after being Mississippi State's QB1 for most of last season. With the Bulldogs, Van Buren Jr completed 54.7% of his passes for 1,886 yards and 11 touchdowns with seven interceptions in 2024. In addition to helping Nussmeier rest up, it would be beneficial for Van Buren Jr to get some game reps in as well. If Nussmeier's injury doesn't trend in the right direction, the Tigers need to know what they are working with when Van Buren Jr's name is called.
Only time will tell what Kelly has specifically in mind for Nussmeier on Saturday. But it wouldn't make much sense to see him play a whole 60 minutes.