Gooden out, Weeks questionable on final report

By Hunt Palmer

LSU may be without its defensive heartbeat on Saturday.

ESPN’s Pete Thamel is reporting that Whit Weeks remains a gametime decision at Vanderbilt but is unlikely to play due to the bone bruise in his knee. He’s been officially listed as ‘questionable’ on the Friday availability report.

Sources: LSU linebacker Whit Weeks (ankle) plans to warm up and attempt to play at No. 17 Vanderbilt. He’s considered doubtful for the No. 10 Tigers, as he’s been limited in practice and faces long odds to play. He is expected to give it a shot, as he battles a bone bruise. pic.twitter.com/SGYzA8ueXf

— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) October 17, 2025

Weeks finished second in the SEC in tackles last year as a sophomore and has 29 including 2.5 for loss this season at inside linebacker. He’s a preseason All-American and integral to LSU’s alignment and production. He leads the Tigers in quarterback hurries.

Vanderbilt leads the country in yards per carry on the ground at 6.7 and figures to attack the LSU defensive front that is now likely missing Weeks and is missing defensive tackle Bernard Gooden who has a bruised collarbone. LSU played without Weeks against Florida when the junior linebacker was ejected on the third defensive snap for targeting. LSU held the Gators to 10 points and forced five turnovers, all interceptions.

Without Gooden, LSU will lean on sophomores Dominick McKinley and Ahmad Breaux as well as graduate Jacobian Guillory. Freshman Walter Mathis will be the fourth option.