John Emery injury: LSU HC offers insight on the RB's status

LSU came away with more than a loss in Week 1. It was hit with several injuries, including one to running back John Emery. In a Tuesday practice after the loss to USC, he tore the ACL in his left knee, ending the hard-luck senior's season.

It was the second torn ACL of Emery's career. He tore his right one in a victory over the Florida Gators in November last season. This season's injury effectively ends his playing career.

The five-star recruit from the Class of 2019 is a sixth-year senior who lost his 2021 season to academic issues and is not likely to become a professional. As a result, Emery must look forward to the next stage of his life.

"John, you know, I think it's always about how you handle adversity," LSU coach Brian Kelly said. "Unfortunately, he's had this before. And I think he's at a place in his life now that he knows he can do things outside of football.

"I think that's what the trap is here, is that many of these young men sometimes didn't know that they could do things outside of football. And that's a shame, right? I think building an identity outside of football with these young men is so crucial when you come into football programs. And we've done that."

John Emery situation ahead of UCLA in Week 4

While John Emery will not return to playing this year, that does not mean he will not be around the team. There are things Emery can do to help 16th-ranked LSU (2-1) this season.

"He is now able to be around the team," LSU coach Brian Kelly said. "The surgery itself required some medical attention and then getting around on crutches without any pain. He was here yesterday. He will begin to travel with us in our next travel.

"We're ready to get him back with us in the meeting room to help some of the younger players because he can be a great asset for us."

With Emery, who was a freshman on the Tigers' 2019 national championship team, able to spend more time around the team, he can mentor young running backs, including freshman Caden Durham and sophomore Kaleb Jackson. He should be around to help the team for its home game against UCLA (1-1) on Saturday.