| It's become almost as standard a part of covering LSU football as covering the Tigers' games themselves: What's the injury status of wide receivers Chris Hilton and, recently, CJ Daniels? If you've followed LSU football at all you know that the talented Hilton, expected to be one of the Tigers' top three receivers coming into this season, hasn't played a down yet because of a stress fracture. Daniels, a transfer from Liberty, has played a significant role this season with 20 catches for 239 yards. But he missed LSU's 29-26 overtime victory Saturday against Ole Miss with a knee injury. LSU coach Brian Kelly was asked yet again on Wednesday's SEC coaches' teleconference about their status for this Saturday's game at Arkansas (6 p.m., ESPN) and gave this update. Another report on their status is required by the SEC shortly before kickoff. Kelly wasn't the only one asked about significant injuries. Arkansas starting quarterback Taylen Green suffered a knee injury in the Razorbacks' 19-14 upset victory two weeks ago over then No. 4-ranked Tennessee. Arkansas coach Sam Pittman gave this update on Green, which sounds to me like he will play against the Tigers though he may not be fully healthy. Our Reed Darcey was in Birmingham for SEC Basketball Media Days and filed this report on what may lie in LSU women's star Flau'jae Johnson's future: ------------------------------ Yes, Flau'jae Johnson is WNBA draft-eligible. But the LSU star's focus lies elsewhere. BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — If LSU star Flau’jae Johnson pieces together an breakout season, then she can parlay it into a move up to the WNBA — as soon as its next draft. Johnson is a draft-eligible junior. According to league rules, US-born players can declare for the draft of the calendar year in which they turn 22 years old. That rule applies to Johnson, who will celebrate her 22nd birthday seven months after the 2025 WNBA draft. “I have thought about that,” Johnson told The Advocate Wednesday at Southeastern Conference media day. “Because this could potentially be my last, just depending on how the season goes.” Johnson did not appear in ESPN’s first 2025 WNBA mock draft, which was released Sept. 24. But her LSU teammate Aneesah Morrow did. She was projected into the No. 3 overall selection, slotted behind UConn star Paige Bueckers and Southern Cal transfer Kiki Iriafen. Overall, ESPN mocked eight guards into the first 12 picks. SEC standouts such as Texas’ Rori Harmon, South Carolina’s Te-Hina Paopao and Kentucky’s Georgia Amoore were listed, but Johnson, the LSU junior who shined in last season’s NCAA tournament, was not. Johnson averaged 20.5 points per game in four tournament games last year. She also converted 58% of her field goal attempts and 43% of her 3-pointers, while averaging six rebounds, two assists, a steal and two blocks. In LSU’s Sweet 16 win over UCLA, Johnson scored 24 points, pulled down 12 rebounds and swatted away two Bruin shots, keying a win that propelled the Tigers into the Elite Eight. If Johnson can give LSU that kind of production throughout the year, then this season could be her last in Baton Rouge. But those conversations can wait. For now, the LSU star who was named co-SEC preseason player of the year is focused on her more immediate goals. “Just because of music and things like that,” Johnson said, “and me wanting to pursue music on a higher level and more opportunities happen that I can’t pursue because I’m in college — I’m just focused on this season right now.” The Tigers will tip off their season at 7 p.m. Nov. 4 against Eastern Kentucky. Before the year’s official start, they’ll also host two exhibition games on Oct. 24 and Oct. 30. ------------------------------ Reed also had this story from coach Kim Mulkey on (what else?) the health of sophomore center Aalyah Del Rosario (ankle) as the season draws near. The Tigers will play their first exhibition against Loyola of New Orleans on Oct. 2x. LSU men's basketball had its turn at SEC Media Days on Tuesday. Wednesday, Matt McMahon's program picked up a big commitment from point guard Jalen Reece from Orlando. Our Koki Riley has more details here. Finally, Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry and Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders have agreed on a friendly wager for Saturday's game. Here's what's on the line in this border rivalry. That's all for now, everyone. As we often say, thank you for reading and subscribing to the best and most comprehensive LSU coverage anywhere. Until next time, Scott Rabalais | 