LSU was without one of its top receivers in its 13-10, SEC West-clinching win on the road against Arkansas last week. [autotag]Brian Thomas Jr.[/autotag] was held out as he entered concussion protocol prior to the game.
Coach [autotag]Brian Kelly[/autotag] offered an encouraging update on Thomas’ condition on Monday, and on Thursday, Kelly said the wideout was cleared to play after participating in practice both Wednesday and Thursday.
Thomas, a sophomore, has 20 catches for 280 yards and three touchdowns this season, and he has stepped up as a reliable No. 3 target behind [autotag]Malik Nabers[/autotag] and [autotag]Kayshon Boutte[/autotag], especially in the wake of a season-ending injury to [autotag]Chris Hilton Jr.[/autotag]
Kelly also provided an update on [autotag]Sevyn Banks[/autotag], who hasn’t played since he was hospitalized after a hit to the neck on the opening kickoff against Auburn last month. Kelly said Banks saw a spinal specialist on Thursday and hopes to return to the field this season.
He said he should have a further update on Banks next week.
The Tigers have largely managed to stay healthy since losing defensive tackle [autotag]Maason Smith[/autotag] with a torn ACL on the first drive of the season. Getting a player like Thomas back ahead of a key stretch of games should help this team’s confidence.
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