Stephen Lew
By Hunt Palmer
Garrett Nussmeier‘s time in Tiger Stadium is done.
The senior signal caller has been ruled out for Saturday night’s game against Western Kentucky. On Wednesday, Wilson called Nussmeier “doubtful”, and 30 hours later he confirmed Nussmeier would not play.
In his fifth season, Nussmeier has battled injury since August. He played through it and struggled along with an offense ranked last in the SEC in rushing. He’ll have one more regular season opportunity to try to suit up at Oklahoma two days after Thanksgiving.
“I think there’s a want to for him (to play again), but I also think there’s a consciousness of care not to tear up scar tissues or make a matter worse than what it needs to be,” Wilson said. “He wants to play. He’s just not able to at the moment.”
Michael Van Buren is the only healthy scholarship quarterback on the roster.
Wilson said Monday that Ju’Juan Johnson, Louisiana’s all-time high school leader in total yards and touchdowns, played quarterback in the spring and could be used. Emile Picarella is a freshman walk-on from University Lab School that would also be an option.
Van Buren has some experience. He started eight games for Mississippi State a season ago and led LSU to a win over Arkansas last week.
On the positive, Whit Weeks could return after more than a month away with a bone bruise.
“I think Whit is probable,” Wilson said. He’s had a good week of practice ushering in and out and popping around. I thought he showed tremendous progress, and he’s talking and feeling the right way. In what capacity and how much, I’m not sure. But right now, I would say he’s probable.”
Weeks last played against South Carolina on October 11.
More LSU Sports
