LSU linebacker Whit Weeks intends “warm up” for the Tigers’ premier SEC meeting against No. 17 Vanderbilt this weekend.
Weeks has been considered doubtful to play this week, and has been spotted in a boot in the lead up to the game, according to Thamel. As of Friday, the Tigers’ staff lists its veteran defensive leader as questionable, according to the SEC availability report.
Sources: LSU linebacker Whit Weeks (ankle) plans to warm up and attempt to play at No. 17 Vanderbilt. He’s considered doubtful for the No. 10 Tigers, as he’s been limited in practice and faces long odds to play. He is expected to give it a shot, as he battles a bone bruise. pic.twitter.com/SGYzA8ueXf
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) October 17, 2025
Fourth-year coach Brian Kelly addressed Weeks’ injury, taking a wait-and-see approach before deciding whether he will play this weekend.
“It’s not the old injury, it’s a new one,” Kelly said. “We’re seeing progress, but it’s going to be a game-time decision.”
The junior linebacker has been severely limited in the production department this season, recording just 12 tackles, one sack and one fumble recovery across six games. He was ejected from LSU‘s SEC opener against Florida last month due to targeting which caused him to miss the first half of LSU’s game against Southeastern Louisiana the next week.
This isn’t Weeks’ first bout with injuries, suffering a dislocated ankle and a fractured tibia in LSU‘s 44-31 Texas Bowl victory against Baylor in 2024 following the 2023 seasons. He went under the knife again to repair a back injury in January.
Upset Special?
Vanderbilt, ranked No. 17 in this week’s AP Top 25 poll is riding a 5-1 record, and poses a unique challenge.
The Commodores’ offense has emerged as one of the SEC’s most potent, especially on the ground, and their ball-control approach could expose any cracks in LSU’s front seven.
Various betting lines have even given Vanderbilt a slight edge for the first time in 77 years, reflecting just how much Weeks’ status factors into the equation.
However, LSU’s defense has relied on more than just Weeks, but his absence would force less experienced players into critical roles. Harold Perkins Jr., another standout linebacker, is returning from his own injury woes, and the Tigers’ depth at linebacker has been tested all season.
Yet for all the optimism, the reality remains as LSU’s hopes of beating Vanderbilt and staying in the SEC title hunt may hinge on whether Weeks and other injured Tigers can find their footing and will itself into College Football Playoff contention for the first time since its title in 2019.
The Tigers boast one of the best scoring defenses in the country, allowing just 11.8 points per game which is good for No. 5 nationally. Despite being injury riddled for much of the season, Blake Baker’s unit has yielded just 102 yards on the ground (No. 21 FBS) and 194.5 yards through the air (No. 42 FBS).
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