LSU vs. McNeese: 5 players the Tigers could rest, including Sam Leavitt

LSU football is navigating life without key players on both sides of the ball. The injury bug has gotten the best of LSU. Big names like tight end Trey'Dez Green and linebacker Whit Weeks are expected to miss all of October, and maybe more.

Da'Shawn Spears, who was in the midst of a breakout season at the STAR position, tore his ACL vs. Ole Miss, ending his 2026. LSU QB Sam Leavitt was on the injury report prior to the Ole Miss game in Week 3 and played through an injured hamstring vs. Texas A&M.

The Tigers have their sights set on the College Football Playoff. Losing Green and Weeks damages LSU's postseason hopes, but the injuries aren't a death knell. Still, LSU can't afford more injuries, especially to established veteran players. LSU is a transfer-heavy team with a first-year head coach -- not a situation that leads to depth-laden rosters.

LSU should handle business vs. McNeese (an FCS opponent) this weekend. The lighter opponent will give LSU a chance to rest starters, something head coach Lane Kiffin said is a consideration. Here are five players LSU could rest or limit in Week 5.

QB Sam Leavitt

Leavitt was visibly banged up vs. Texas A&M. The LSU QB hung in the game, but he was spotted limping throughout the night and chose to stay in the pocket and throw the ball rather than take off and run. That worked in Leavitt's favor as he played his cleanest game yet. After the game, Lane Kiffin said Leavitt was dealing with a hamstring injury.

Hamstring issues can linger and don't improve without rest. LSU's bye week isn't until Oct. 31, and this is LSU's final nonconference game before a string of SEC opponents. If LSU wants to get Leavitt some rest, now's the chance. If Leavitt is healthy, I don't think LSU sits him entirely. The reps are valuable for an offense still searching for consistency. But if Leavitt's hamstring is even a moderate issue, backup QB Landen Clark could be running the offense this week.

With a nonconference game on the schedule this week, LSU didn't have to release an injury report, so it's hard to gauge Leavitt's status.

WR Winston Watkins

With Trey'Dez Green out, Watkins is LSU's most reliable pass catcher. The offense can't afford to lose another security blanket, especially with Green's return uncertain. Wide receiver isn't a position that takes a ton of hits, so I'd expect to see Watkins on the field, but don't be surprised if he's pulled earlier than other LSU starters. Watkins is too valuable to LSU's offense.

DE Princewill Umanmielen

LSU lacks depth at defensive end. That's not a problem right now because LSU's defensive end duo of Princewill Umanmielen and Jordan Ross is one of the best in the country. Umanmielen is tied for the FBS lead with 7 sacks, turning in several highlight-worthy plays a game.

LSU's No. 3 DE is Dylan Carpenter. While Carpenter has proven to be competent, he's no Umanmielen. LSU already lost defensive end Gabriel Reliford for the year when he tore his ACL in the spring. Losing Umanmielen for any amount of time will be a significant blow. LSU may consider limiting his reps in a game where he's not needed.

DB Ty Benefield

When LSU lost Da'Shawn Spears for the year, the Tigers lost one of their most versatile and valuable defenders. It's hard to replace a player like that. LSU did it by moving safety Ty Benefield to the star position and putting Jhase Thomas in the lineup at safety. Benefield is the only other player on LSU's roster who can rival Spears' skill set. The STAR position is critical to Blake Baker's defense, and LSU needs Benefield at full strength for conference play.

LB TJ Dottery

Star LSU linebacker Whit Weeks is out for an extended period, making TJ Dottery's role even more important. The Ole Miss transfer has been dynamite for LSU so far, posting 17 tackles and eight stops. Dottery has forced two fumbles and logged 10 QB pressures. With Weeks out, Dottery is the leader in the middle of LSU's defense. The Tigers have decent depth at LB, but can't afford to lose another star at the position.

Giving Dottery limited reps would keep him healthy and give LSU's younger players reps.

This article originally appeared on LSU Wire: LSU vs. McNeese: 5 players the Tigers could rest, including Sam Leavitt