Tigers struggle with minor injuries ahead of USC week

In 10 days, the LSU Tigers will lace up their football boots on September 1st in Las Vegas, Nevada to face the USC Trojans in Week 1.

The ability to start the season on the right track with a newly assembled group is critical for Brian Kelly and the program, but the Tigers must return to full capacity in the next few days.

LSU will end fall camp this weekend as there are some minor injuries to keep in mind.

The LSU injury report:

LSU defensive back Sage Ryan sat out Day 17 of fall camp on Wednesday as he recovers from a minor hamstring injury.

A player who is trained as both a cornerback and a safety, Ryan is a key piece in the defensive backfield, where he was named to the first team as a cornerback this month.

“Pretty good. I think we have a Grade I hamstring injury,” Brian Kelly said Wednesday. “Those are injuries that should heal up this week and they should be back to full fitness for USC.”

LSU WR Chris Hilton suffered an ankle injury during Saturday's practice that kept him on the bench for the rest of the day. He continues to work with trainers on the sidelines through the final week of camp, with the program being cautious.

In addition to Hilton, LSU offensive guard Miles Frazier is also recovering from an ankle injury that kept him from practice on Wednesday. Redshirt freshman Tyree Adams filled in for the first team on the offensive line.

“I think we have an ankle injury with Miles Frazier. Hilton has a bone bruise, but we think he should be back this weekend as well,” Kelly said. “So, I think three or four guys who [have] the bumps and bruises of camp, but we are confident they will be available again this weekend.”

LSU LB West Weeks was on the practice field in walking boots on Wednesday with what Kelly described as a sprained foot. The injury should not sideline the second-team linebacker for next weekend's showdown against USC.

LSU wide receiver Jelani Watkins has sprained his foot and ankle. He sustained the injury on August 14 and was on crutches with a boot on his foot last week.

Watkins landed wrong during a 2-on-2 drill and immediately winced in pain. Trainers took him aside for the rest of the day. It doesn't look like it will be a long-term injury, and the staff hopes to have him back sooner rather than later.

Fall Camp Week 3 Preview: Storylines, Position Battles and Depth Chart Predictions

LSU approaches No. 1 recruiting class in America

The eye-catchers: Who stands out at Fall Camp?

Follow Zack Nagy on Twitter: @znagy20 and LSU Tigers on SI: @LSUTigersSI for all coverage of the LSU program.