LSU star defensive tackle Maason Smith, an All-SEC freshman two seasons ago, is expected to return this week from the season-ending knee injury he suffered in the first game of the 2022 season.
Head coach Brian Kelly said Wednesday the goal is for Smith to play around 30 snaps when the No. 14 Tigers (0-1) play their home opener against Grambling (0-1).
“I think we have to be realistic that when you haven’t played in over a year, he’s not going to play the duration of the game,” Kelly said during the SEC coaches teleconference. “We’re looking obviously if we can get somewhere near 30 snaps, we’d be really excited about that.”
Smith injured his knee on the opening drive against Florida State last year and was held out of last week’s rematch against the Seminoles by a one-game suspension, reportedly for receiving improper benefits. FSU won that one, 45-24.
Smith recorded four sacks in seven games as a freshman.
—Field Level Media
