HOUSTON — LSU football standout sophomore linebacker Whit Weeks was carted off the field late in the second quarter of the Texas Bowl against Baylor following a severe injury. The incident occurred after Baylor’s Dawson Pendergrass executed a 1-yard touchdown run, leaving Weeks on the bottom of the pile with his right leg trapped.

At the time of the injury, LSU was leading Baylor with a score of 28-13. Medical personnel quickly arrived to attend to Weeks, applying an air cast to his injured lower leg before transporting him through the tunnel on a medical cart. His brother, West Weeks, who plays alongside him at linebacker, was visibly upset as he observed the situation unfold.

The support from the team was evident as players rushed to the cart to check on their teammate. Fans from both teams gave Whit Weeks a standing ovation, showing solidarity amidst the unfortunate circumstance. As he was being assisted off the field, Weeks shared a few words of encouragement with his teammates.

Throughout the season, Whit Weeks has emerged as a key player for the LSU defense, stepping up significantly after Harold Perkins Jr. sustained a season-ending injury earlier in the year. Prior to this game, Weeks had accumulated a remarkable 114 tackles, leading the team.

This injury raises concern for Weeks’ recovery and the future of the LSU football team as they prepare for the upcoming season next year.

Cory Diaz covers the LSU Tigers for The Daily Advertiser as part of the USA TODAY Network. Follow his Tigers coverage on Twitter: @ByCoryDiaz.