LSU running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire now in doubt for playoff
As LSU prepares for the College Football Playoff, the status of leading rusher Clyde Edwards-Helaire is now in doubt.
As they prepare to play Oklahoma in the College Football Playoff, the status of a key player for the LSU Tigers is now up in the air. As first reported by Ross Dellenger of Sports Illustrated, running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire suffered a hamstring injury during Tuesday’s practice and his status is now in doubt for the Peach Bowl on Dec. 28.
According to Brody Miller of The Athletic, the junior tailback suffered a non-contact injury.
Edwards-Helaire has had a breakout season this year, leading the Tigers in rushing with 1,290 yards (6.5 yards per carry) and 16 touchdowns. The next highest rusher on the team is Heisman Trophy winning quarterback Joe Burrow with 287 yards. Edwards-Helaire’s primary backups, Tyrion Davis-Price and John Emery, are both freshman and have combined for 96 carries and 452 yards this season.
Edwards-Helaire had a shining moment against Alabama this year, with 20 carries for 103 yards, nine catches for 77 more yards receiving and four total touchdowns. In five of six games down the stretch, including against Florida (134 yards and two touchdowns), Auburn (136 yards and a touchdown and that performance against the Crimson Tide, he topped 100 yards and scored while becoming a bigger factor in the passing game.
LSU head coach Ed Orgeron is scheduled to speak to the media at 6:25 p.m. ET Wednesday night. Edwards-Helaire’s injury is sure to subject of the first set of questions asked of him, with the expected non-declarative and vague answers sure to come.
Three Sooners players were suspended for the Peach Bowl earlier on Wednesday. Top pass rusher Ronnie Perkins is the biggest loss, but running back Rhamondre Stevenson and wide receiver Trejan Bridges have to be noted too.
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But if Edwards-Helaire is out, and the majority of their rushing attack is sidelined with him, LSU will have the biggest absence to work around in the Peach Bowl.