**These quotes come from Winnie Watkins’s interview with Matt Moscona on After Further Review on 104.5 ESPN Baton Rouge. It is brought to you by FMOL Health | Our Lady of the Lake.
Playing wide receiver with a compromised hand creates problems.
Winnie Watkins has been dealing with them for a month after tearing a ligament in his thumb at Kentucky.
“When I was catching the ball, I think the DB was trying to go for the ball, but he missed the ball and ripped at my thumb,” Watkins said. “It went back, and when it went back, I felt a sensation like a burning.”
The Ole Miss transfer was LSU’s go-to receiver early in the season when he made 20 catches for 314 yards and two touchdowns through four games. Twice, against Clemson and Texas A&M, he went over 100 receiving yards.
Since the injury at Kentucky, he’s made just four catches for 29 yards in two games. Hawaii transfer Jackson Harris has become the top target.
“It should be back to all the way healthy in a couple of weeks,” Watkins said. “I’m still good to play. It doesn’t affect me at all.”
LSU ranks seventh nationally in passing offense at 318.0 yards per game even with Watkins compromised and Trey’Dez Green missing four games with a knee injury. Quarterback Sam Leavitt has also dealt with a nagging hamstring injury.
Following the open date, the Tigers should be as fresh and healthy as they’ve been in weeks.
