Brian Kelly Provides Injury Update on LSU Football’s Whit Weeks and Harold Perkins
The LSU Tigers have been making strides in the offseason, under the guidance of head coach Brian Kelly, and fans are eager to see how the team will perform in the upcoming football season. With a slew of talented players and a strong coaching staff, the team is poised for success. However, no football program is immune to injury concerns, and Kelly has recently provided updates on the statuses of key players Whit Weeks and Harold Perkins, two players who will have significant roles in LSU’s defense in the 2025 season.
In college football, injuries are an unfortunate reality that can have significant impacts on both individual players and the team as a whole. While LSU has been fortunate to avoid major injuries in the offseason, Kelly’s updates on these two defensive stars are critical to understanding what the Tigers’ defense might look like when the season starts.
This article will delve into the injury updates for Whit Weeks and Harold Perkins, offering insights into their current recovery processes, their projected timelines for return, and what their eventual return could mean for LSU’s defense in 2025. Both of these players represent the future of LSU’s linebacker corps, and their development and health will play a key role in the team’s hopes of contending for championships in the future.
Whit Weeks: An Emerging Star with Injury Concerns
The Background: Whit Weeks’ Rise to Prominence
Whit Weeks, a highly touted freshman linebacker from Georgia, arrived at LSU as a highly rated recruit in the 2024 class. Known for his athleticism, football IQ, and leadership potential, Weeks was expected to make an immediate impact on LSU’s defense. During his high school career, Weeks displayed exceptional versatility, excelling in both pass coverage and against the run. His speed and understanding of the game made him a natural fit for LSU’s defensive schemes, and he was seen as a player with high potential who could make waves in his first year.
Heading into the 2025 season, Weeks was poised to compete for a starting role in LSU’s linebacker group. His ability to read offenses and his physical style of play were expected to complement other key defenders, including Harold Perkins, and give LSU a dynamic, aggressive linebacker duo. However, just as Weeks was beginning to find his rhythm in spring practices, he was sidelined by a lower body injury, which has raised concerns for both the player and the coaching staff.
Kelly’s Update on Whit Weeks
In a recent press conference, Brian Kelly provided an update on Whit Weeks’ recovery and the impact of his injury. While Kelly was cautious about providing specific details, he noted that Weeks was dealing with what he described as a “minor leg issue”, which kept him limited during some spring practices. Kelly emphasized that the injury, while unfortunate, was not believed to be severe and that the team was managing it appropriately. The coaching staff is taking a measured approach to Weeks’ rehabilitation, and Kelly expressed confidence that Weeks would be ready to participate fully when the season begins.
“Whit is a tough kid, and he’s been working hard to get back on the field, but we’re not going to rush him. His recovery process is going well, and we want to make sure he’s fully healthy before putting him back in game situations,” Kelly stated.
This approach is consistent with Kelly’s philosophy of prioritizing player health. While the injury has undoubtedly delayed Weeks’ spring development, the team has not ruled him out for the season. The coaching staff is taking every step necessary to ensure that Weeks’ recovery is fully managed, so he can be a key contributor to LSU’s defense as soon as he’s cleared to return.
Impact on LSU’s Linebacker Group
The injury to Whit Weeks, while not major, could have some implications for LSU’s defense, especially in the early part of the season. Weeks was expected to compete for a starting role, and his absence during spring practices means that other players in the linebacker room—like Greg Penn III, Omar Speights, and Josh White—have had more opportunities to showcase their skills and gain valuable experience.
With Harold Perkins, the star linebacker for LSU, already commanding a prominent role on the defense, LSU’s coaching staff will need to ensure that the linebackers around him are ready to step up in his absence. In particular, the development of Omar Speights, a transfer from Oregon State, will be crucial, as he is expected to play a significant role in the linebacker rotation.
For Weeks, the silver lining is that this injury came during spring practices, meaning he has plenty of time to recover before the regular season begins. If Weeks can return to full health by the time fall camp starts, he should still have the chance to make an impact and potentially earn a starting role in LSU’s defense.
Harold Perkins: A Key Defensive Playmaker Facing Minor Setback
The Background: Harold Perkins’ Impact and Expectations
Harold Perkins is arguably the most important defensive player for LSU in 2025. As a sophomore linebacker, Perkins has already shown flashes of brilliance, making a name for himself as one of the top players in the nation. In his freshman season in 2024, Perkins became a household name with his ability to rush the passer, drop into coverage, and stop the run. He was an all-around playmaker who was often the catalyst for LSU’s defense. Perkins’ versatility, football instincts, and explosiveness make him a candidate for multiple awards, and he is expected to be a key player for LSU as they look to contend for a championship.
With an incredibly high ceiling, Harold Perkins is expected to be the anchor of LSU’s defense moving forward, potentially even becoming a first-round NFL draft pick once his college career is complete. His presence on the field elevates LSU’s defense, and his ability to play in a variety of roles gives the coaching staff flexibility in how they deploy him.
However, as is often the case with talented players, Perkins has been dealing with a few injuries in the early part of the offseason.
Kelly’s Update on Harold Perkins
During his most recent update, Brian Kelly addressed Harold Perkins’ injury, which, much like Whit Weeks’, was described as a minor issue. Kelly stated that Perkins was dealing with a slight groin injury, which has kept him out of some practice reps. While the injury was not serious enough to cause concern, Kelly emphasized that the team would take a cautious approach in managing Perkins’ recovery.
“Harold is a key piece of our defense, and we don’t want to push him too hard too early,” Kelly explained. “The injury is nothing to worry about long term, but we’re being cautious with his workload. He’ll be back to full strength soon, and we’ll make sure we’re not doing anything that could risk his health later in the season.”
This type of injury, while not ideal, is relatively common for high-impact players like Perkins. The groin area is essential for a linebacker’s speed, mobility, and explosiveness, so it’s vital that Perkins receives the proper treatment and rest to recover fully. Kelly’s conservative approach to Perkins’ injury suggests that the team’s primary focus is on ensuring Perkins is healthy for the regular season, rather than pushing him in the spring.
Impact on LSU’s Defense and Linebacker Depth
The combination of Perkins’ injury and Weeks’ minor setback does create some questions about the overall depth of LSU’s linebacker group. Omar Speights, a transfer from Oregon State, will be expected to take on more responsibility, as he’s anticipated to be a major contributor in the linebacker rotation. Similarly, Greg Penn III and Josh White have both stepped up to take on bigger roles in practice, with both players working hard to prove their worth in LSU’s system.
Fortunately for LSU, the Tigers have a deep and talented linebacker group, which gives them the flexibility to manage injuries effectively. While Perkins is arguably LSU’s most dynamic defensive player, the overall depth of the unit allows the coaching staff to rotate players and limit their workload when necessary, ensuring that the team can weather any injury setbacks.
In the long term, the hope is that both Perkins and Weeks can return to full strength ahead of LSU’s regular season opener. Their return to health is vital for LSU’s defensive success, and their presence on the field will be a key factor in the team’s ability to compete for championships.