LSU linebacker and sacks leader Michael Divinity is back with the team but his role going forward was unclear on Tuesday.
Two weeks ago, Divinity left the Tigers for personal reasons, but coach Ed Orgeron left the door open for him to return. On Monday, he did.
“We love Michael being back on the team,” Orgeron said Tuesday morning on 104.5 ESPN radio in Baton Rouge, La. “Michael’s a great member of our football team that brings a lot of energy, brings a lot of things to our practice. He’s still unable to play, but he’s able to practice … as of now.”
Divinity missed two of LSU’s first three games of 2019 with Orgeron labeling it as a coach’s decision. Oregeron has not said what led to that decision, nor did he indicate when Divinity could be back on the field for the No. 1 Tigers.
Divinity, a senior, left the team on Nov. 4 and explained his departure on Instagram.
“I am taking some time off to focus on a personal matter and just wanted to say thank you to my coaches, teammates, and the entire LSU community for your continued help and support,” Divinity wrote. “I am sorry I can’t be on the field for you guys. My goal is to get myself back to 100% in time to graduate in December and be back on the field fighting with my brothers soon.
“This is an incredibly difficult time for me, and it means so much to me that so many people have reached out – knowing you all have my back will make the next short while a lot easier. Thank you all. I got this, I promise you.”
Despite playing in just five games in 2019, Divinity leads the Tigers with three sacks. He also has 23 tackles (four for loss) and a forced fumble.
LSU (10-0, 6-0) can clinch the SEC West and a date with Georgia in the SEC title game next month with a win on Saturday against Arkansas (2-8, 0-6).
