LSU football career likely over for Derek Stingley Jr. after undergoing surgery
By John Buhler
Derek Stingley Jr. has almost certainly played his last game for the LSU football team.
With a bright NFL future ahead of him, LSU football star Derek Stingley Jr. is out indefinitely after having undergone foot surgery.
“I appreciate all of the support from LSU and the fans,” said Stingley in a statement. “I’m doing all that I can to return to the field as soon as possible. I want to finish out the season with my teammates and I will do everything I can to get healthy so I will be able to play again this year.”
Stingley did not play in Week 4’s game vs. Mississippi State or in last week’s tough home loss to Auburn. While he has not achieved the level of on-field success of his brilliant true freshman campaign in 2019, Stingley is expected to be the first defensive back taken in the 2022 NFL Draft. He is projected to be a top-five pick, assuming the medicals check out.
Though Stingley may be healthy enough to return to the Bayou Bengals later year, he must turn his attention to the NFL and risk further injury that would derail his draft position.
Derek Stingley Jr. injury update: LSU DB is out indefinitely after foot surgery
Given that LSU has already lost two Power Five games this season, there is no College Football Playoff to play for this season. While LSU could catch fire in the second half of the season and reach a New Year’s Six bowl, what have they done thus far to indicate that could possibly happen? Though Stingley may love playing for LSU, he needs to make the smart business decision here.
He has been tabbed as arguably the most talented defensive back to play at LSU since Patrick Peterson. Stingley rocks the No. 7 jersey for a reason. While punting on the rest of the season could leave a bad taste in the fan base’s mouth, it is really only sour grapes at this point. If a player is a lock to be a top-10 pick, he should not mess around with that. This is life-changing money.
Even if Stingley tries to return to LSU this season, odds are he has played his last snap for them.
Next. 15 sickest highlight tapes ever. dark
For more NCAA football news, analysis, opinion and unique coverage by FanSided, including Heisman Trophy and College Football Playoff rankings, be sure to bookmark these pages.