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LSU's Stingley out vs. Mississippi State with illness unrelated to COVID-19

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LSU announced Saturday that star cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. won't suit up for its season opener against Mississippi State with an illness.

Stingley's condition isn't COVID-19 related, and he's expected to be discharged from the hospital soon.

The sophomore defensive back is arguably LSU's premier defender. The Tigers lost a large number of players from their championship-winning squad to the NFL, while top receiver Ja'Marr Chase opted out of the 2020 campaign in August.

Stingley starred as a freshman last season, thriving in man coverage and intercepting six passes in 15 games. His absence is good news for opposing quarterback K.J. Costello, who is making his Bulldogs debut after transferring from Stanford as a graduate.

Cordale Flott, Jay Ward, and Darren Evans should see the majority of snaps at cornerback for LSU on Saturday.

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