Notebook: Toby Weathersby a “game-time decision” to start against Alabama

Also: LSU has ‘players-only’ meeting Thursday; Jazz Ferguson suspended

By JAMES MORAN
Tiger Rag Associate Editor

It’ll be a game-time decision if sophomore Toby Weathersby starts at right tackle against top-ranked Alabama on Saturday night, LSU coach Ed Orgeron said at his post-practice presser Thursday.

Weathersby returned to practice last week after a month-long absence due to a high-ankle sprain. Whether he takes the field against the Crimson Tide will depend on how he looks during pre-game warm-ups, Orgeron said.

“He looks good,” Orgeron said about Weathersby. “We’ll see in pregame whether we start our not. Maea (Teuhema) has done a good job for us at right tackle and that’s an extra bonus.”

Teuhema has started the past four games at right tackle in Weathersby’s stead. Weathersby said earlier this week that he’d been cleared medically to play.

Cleared or not, Weathersby would be returned after missing a month of action to face a defensive front that leads the nation in sacks (32). Orgeron hasn’t specified what the role Teuhema would have if Weathersby does return to the starting lineup.

PLAYERS ONLY

Orgeron said his team held a 15-minute ‘players-only’ meeting prior to practice Thursday.

The coach credited the leadership shown by Leonard Fournette, Jamal Adams and Ethan Pocic in calling the meeting.

“I like it,” Orgeron said. “I’m for it. I didn’t want to be in here. They wanted it. I gave it to them.”

Orgeron prefaced bringing up the meeting by mentioned that he observed some rust during Tuesday’s practice, though he felt Wednesday’s practice was one of LSU’s best this season.

He went on to say coaches “could hear a pen drop” when they walked into the room following the conclusion of the meeting.

So, did anyone give Coach O the gist of what was said?

“Doesn’t matter,” Orgeron answered. “I know what was said. Deep down in my heart, I know what was said. By the time I walked in, I know it was good. I know the guys that led it, and I trust them. I think it’s all good.

“Those thing are great for team bonding. Doesn’t mean you win or you’re going to play better. But every once in a while, if they feel like they need to have a meeting, I like it. Leadership comes forward.”

FERGUSON SUSPENDED

Sophomore wide receiver Jazz Ferguson has been suspended indefinitely for a violation of team rules and won’t play against Alabama, Orgeron said.

Ferguson was absent from the portion of Tuesday’s practice made open to reporters. The West Feliciana High product has caught two passes for 17 yards in seven games with one start this season.