LSU star linebacker Arden Key missed the Tigers' season opener against BYU, and he still hasn't been cleared for contact.
Key is still recovering from offseason shoulder surgery, and doctors aren't ready for him to return to field just yet. LSU coach Ed Orgeron said Key won't be ready to play this week, and he didn't give a specific return date.
"He is still waiting to be cleared for contact," Orgeron said via 247Sports. "We are going to do a little more with him today. I want to see what he can do. I don't know that he's full speed yet.
"We are bringing him along in increments. He is not ready to play and he hasn't been cleared for the game."
Freshman linebacker K'Lavon Chaisson started in Key's place, and he recorded three solo tackles in LSU's 27-0 win over BYU.
The LSU defense was stellar even without Key as they gave up only 97 yards to the Cougars. The Tigers likely won't need Key against UT Chattanooga, but they will need him when they travel to take on Mississippi State the following week.
LSU has plenty of talent defensively, but they will need Key if they want to contend for the West. Key recorded 11 sacks as a sophomore last season.
(h/t 247Sports)