LSU football quarterback Bernard Gooden was listed as questionable. Week 8 game LSU vs. Vanderbilt in the SEC's latest affordability report.
Gooden left LSU's Week 7 win over South Carolina with what head coach Brian Kelly later said was a bruised collarbone.
On Monday, Kelly expressed little concern about Gooden's availability.
“It hurts a lot right now,” Kelly said, “But clean, no breaks. So this is a short-term thing. And he will have to deal with the pain of how we get through the week.”
While Kelly said “short term,” no specific time frame was offered.
And even if the collarbone isn't broken, a bruised collarbone can seriously hurt a defensive lineman. Gooden, a defensive back, emphasizes this zone play after play. Collarbone injuries can prevent defensive linemen from using their full strength when blocking or making a tackle.
Gooden will be a significant loss for LSU's defense. USF's 2025 transfer faces 13 pressures, the most among SEC defensive tackles. Vanderbilt QB Diego Pavia isn't very good under pressure, but LSU will have a harder time getting a QB if Gooden can't go.
Gooden wasn't the only key defensive player included on LSU's injury report. Tigers linebacker Whit Weeks is considered questionable.
