LSU's pass rushing attack took yet another hit with its season opener looming.
Redshirt freshman Andre Anthony, who many assumed would replace injured star Arden Key, will miss Saturday's game against BYU after suffering an injury during practice earlier this week, according to head coach Ed Orgeron.
Redshirt freshman Ray Thornton and true freshman K'Lavon Chaisson were given the "bench" outside linebacker reps in his absence.
"Andre Anthony sustained an injury during the week, so he's probably not going to play," Orgeron said after practice on Thursday. "It's between K'Lavon and Ray Thornton. It's a toss up right now."
Orgeron had finally ruled Key out for the opener after months of speculation, which opened a spot at the outside linebacker position. The coach has repeatedly said that both Thornton and Chaisson were expected to share reps during the opener, but has yet to name a starter.
"They're battling," defensive coordinator Dave Aranda said earlier this month. "They're battling. Chaisson, there's a lot of merit to having Chaisson on the field when you know it's a pass. Then there's a lot of merit to Ray being on the field when they're going to run the ball. So they're each working on their respective issues. But they're very much battling."
Chaisson (6-foot-4, 240 pounds) was a 5-star prospect and the No. 11 overall player for the 2017 national recruiting cycle. Anthony (6-foot-3, 228 pounds) was a 4-star prospect and the No. 189 overall player for the 2016 class.
