One of LSU's top playmakers of the last three seasons could be "sidelined for an extended period of time," per a report from The Athletic.
Citing a source in the program, The Athletic reported that cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. suffered a foot injury at practice on Wednesday, one that could keep him out for several games. He did travel with the team to Starkville, Miss., for LSU's SEC opener against Mississippi State.
Derek Stingley Jr. here in Starkville, with brace on left, lower leg. #LSU pic.twitter.com/h3PtyCFvzl
— Jacques Doucet (@JacquesDoucet) September 25, 2021
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The Tigers on Saturday take on a Bulldogs team that put up big numbers against them in 2020 under Mike Leach's "Air Raid" offense. Mississippi State piled up 632 yards of offense on the then-defending national champions in a 44-34 win. Quarterback KJ Costello also threw for 623 yards and five touchdowns to two interceptions against LSU's defense, which coincidentally also was absent Stingley in 2020 as well.
How much time Stingley misses this season remains to be seen. However, he has already done enough to be considered one of the top prospects of the 2022 NFL Draft, topping Sporting News' top 50 big board. From SN's Vinnie Iyer:
"Stingley is one of the most dynamic cornerback prospects ever with his pedigree and playmaking resume. He's got great size and speed and can often win his battles with his length and quickness. There are few holes in his coverage game and he's also the ultimate ballhawk."
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Stingley jumped on the national scene with six interceptions during LSU's national championship season in 2019. The 6-1, 195-pound junior did not have an interception in 2020 and has not yet picked off a pass in 2021, but it's likely that teams simply have targeted him less considering his ability to play the ball in the air.
That's not the only injury LSU is dealing with. The Tigers also lost sixth-year senior defensive end Andre Anthony for the year to a knee injury against Central Michigan.
