LSU will be without starting left guard [autotag]Garrett Dellinger[/autotag] when it faces Alabama on Saturday night.
LSU head coach Brian Kelly said Dellinger had tightrope surgery on his ankle. Dellinger injured the ankle vs. Texas A&M and did not return. Kelly said the Tigers are hoping to get Dellinger back in week 12, when LSU travels to face Florida.
Offensive line depth took a hit earlier this year when Tyree Adams had season-ending surgery. That left Paul Mubenga to fill in when Dellinger went down against A&M. I’d expect it’s Mubenga back out there again on Saturday.
If LSU goes a different direction, the Tigers could turn to [autotag]Bo Bordelon[/autotag] or [autotag]Weston Davis.[/autotag] Regardless, LSU lacks an experienced option.
LSU’s interior offensive line play has been inconsistent this year. DJ Chester is a first-year starter at center and LSU’s failed to establish a consistent run game. The loss of Dellinger creates more questions ahead of a meeting with a strong Alabama front seven.
According to PFF, Dellinger is LSU’s top-graded offensive lineman in 2024. He’s a veteran that’s accustomed to big moments like the one LSU will be in on Saturday night. LSU is coming out of a bye and had some time to prepare, so we’ll see what answers Kelly and staff have.