LSU running back Leonard Fournette exited the Tigers' Week 3 game against the Auburn Tigers after suffering what appeared to be a knee injury in the third quarter.
Continue for updates.
Fournette Walks off Knee Injury
Saturday, Sept. 19
Fournette appeared shaken up after diving into the end zone to give LSU a 38-7 lead over Auburn. Fortunately for LSU, the star running back flashed a thumbs-up to an LSU radio sideline reporter, which indicated the injury likely isn't too serious, per the Advocate's Scott Rabalais.
Rabalais added that the injury occurred when Fournette landed in the end zone.
Prior to exiting, Fournette looked like a Heisman front-runner. On just 19 carries, the sophomore racked up 228 rushing yards and three touchdowns, including several runs that showcased his ridiculous blend of power and burst at the second level.
According to ESPN.com's Alex Scarborough, Fournette has rushed for 387 yards and six touchdowns over his last seven quarters. He's also rushed for over 100 yards in four straight games dating back to last season.
It's a level of production that keeps him well within the conversation among the nation's top runners. Assuming his injury is not serious, he should continue being the primary back the rest of the season.
One of the most highly touted skill position players in recent memory, Fournette's collegiate career is off to a solid start. He rushed for 1,034 yards and 10 touchdowns as a freshman as one of the few bright spots during an 8-5 campaign. He went over the 100-yard mark five times and appeared to really come into his own down the stretch.
A 6'1", 224-pound athletic freak, Fournette rushed for more than 5,000 yards in his high school career at St. Augustine High School in New Orleans. He was considered the top national recruit in the 2014 class by nearly every scouting service, including 247Sports, and even drew some lofty comparisons to Adrian Peterson.
We're a good amount of time away from knowing whether those comparisons were founded.
LSU will turn to Darrel Williams and David Ducre in the interim. While neither has Fournette's potential, both are steady players who can keep the chains moving.
Nonetheless, the semi-shaky Tigers offense will always look better with Fournette providing some explosion.
