LSU could have to play two key SEC West games, against Mississippi State and Auburn, without one of the nation's top defensive backs in Jalen Mills.
Mills suffered a fractured fibula in practice Wednesday morning and is expected to miss 4-6 weeks, according to the New Orleans Times-Picayune. A range of 4-6 weeks jeopardizes the senior's availability for a Sept. 12 road trip to Mississippi State, and a home game the following week against Auburn. LSU opens the season against McNeese State on Sept. 5, a game the Tigers should win with ease with or without Mills.
Mills can play several roles in the secondary, giving new defensive coordinator Kevin Steele plenty of flexibility. That versatility allows Mills to stay on the field whether the team is in a base, nickel, or dime alignment, making his absence for the time being all the more complicated for Steele.
Mills gave strong consideration to leaving LSU early and applying for entry into the 2015 NFL Draft, but opted to stay in December. He is regarded as a potential top-50 pick in the 2016 draft, according to draft analyst Chad Reuter.
According to the report, LSU confirmed Mills was injured but would not give specifics on the severity of the injury.
With a healthy Mills, LSU has one of the most talented secondaries in college football, along with sophomore safety Jamal Adams and cornerback Tre'Davious White. Without Mills, Mississippi State's Dak Prescott (the SEC's top returning quarterback) could find it much easier to throw against the Tigers next month.
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