LSU running back John Emery has a torn ACL that will keep him out for the rest of his sixth season with the No. 18 Tigers, according to a source who spoke to The Associated Press on Wednesday.
The source requested anonymity because LSU has not yet announced the injury. The injury happened during practice in Baton Rouge on Tuesday and was first reported by The Advocate of Baton Rouge.
Emery, who has had a career plagued by injuries and academic issues, was LSU’s top running back in their season-opening 27-20 loss to Southern California in Las Vegas on Sunday night.
He ran for 61 yards, including a 39-yard run up the middle in the third quarter. He also caught a 10-yard pass.
His previous season was cut short after seven games due to an ACL tear. He had entered the transfer portal last offseason but decided to return to LSU.
Emery came to LSU as a promising freshman in 2019 and scored four touchdowns for the Tigers’ undefeated national championship team that year.
He missed the entire 2021 season due to academic issues.
Throughout his college career, he has played in 38 games, rushing for 1,123 yards and 14 touchdowns.
With Emery out, LSU will rely on Kaleb Jackson and Josh Williams as their main running backs. Freshman Caden Durham, who did not get a carry against USC, might also see more action in Emery’s absence.
The Tigers will next play at home against Nicholls State on Saturday night.
