LSU Defensive Coordinator Blake Barker Provides Key Update on Linebacker Whit Weeks’ Injury Status Ahead of 2025 Season

LSU defensive coordinator Blake Barker gave a significant update on sophomore linebacker Whit Weeks’ status this week, offering both clarity and cautious optimism as the Tigers push through their offseason workouts in preparation for the 2025 college football season. Weeks, who emerged as a promising young force on LSU’s defense in 2024, has been sidelined during spring practices with a lower-body injury that initially sparked concern among fans and insiders alike. Barker, speaking to reporters after a team practice session, finally addressed the situation head-on.

“He’s progressing well,” Barker said. “Whit is one of the toughest, most driven guys in our locker room, and he’s been attacking rehab like he attacks everything else—full speed. We’re taking it day by day with him, and our training staff is pleased with how he’s responding. At this point, we expect him to be ready by the start of fall camp.”

That’s welcome news for a team looking to rebound on the defensive side of the ball after an inconsistent 2024 campaign that saw LSU surrender big plays at critical moments. Weeks was one of the few consistent bright spots, showcasing sideline-to-sideline range, a high football IQ, and the kind of tenacity that quickly endeared him to both the coaching staff and Tiger Nation.

Weeks finished the 2024 season with 81 total tackles, including 8.5 tackles for loss and three sacks, despite splitting time with veteran backers and playing through various nicks and bruises. He was particularly impactful during the final stretch of the season when injuries mounted across LSU’s front seven, and he stepped up with a leadership presence beyond his years. Coaches viewed him as a potential captain in 2025, and Barker reiterated that Weeks remains central to LSU’s defensive identity going forward.

“What you love about Whit is that he’s a football junkie. He’s in the film room every day, even while rehabbing,” Barker said. “Even though he can’t physically participate right now, he’s in every meeting, engaged, asking questions, helping the younger guys. That’s leadership, and that’s exactly what we need.”

Barker’s words echo the sentiment growing around Baton Rouge that Weeks isn’t just a talented athlete—he’s a cornerstone for a defense trying to reestablish itself as a dominant unit in the SEC. LSU’s defense underwent schematic adjustments in Barker’s first year as coordinator after coming over from Washington, and the learning curve was steep at times. While the Tigers had stretches of strong play, inconsistency plagued them, especially in the middle of the field. Barker’s aggressive, multiple-look defense relies on smart, instinctive linebackers who can diagnose plays quickly and make adjustments on the fly. Weeks fits that mold perfectly.

“He’s the type of linebacker you build a system around,” Barker added. “We brought a new style, new terminology, new responsibilities last year. It wasn’t always smooth, but Whit was the guy who picked it up fast. He’s a communicator, and that’s what you need when things break down or the offense gives you something unexpected.”

The hope is that Weeks will be fully cleared to return to live action by early August, giving him time to ramp up before the Tigers face a daunting early-season slate that includes a marquee neutral-site showdown and several SEC tests. While no exact return date has been set, Barker’s tone indicated that barring setbacks, Weeks is well on track.

That update eases the tension around a linebacker room that, while talented, lacks proven depth behind Weeks. With several players graduating or transferring, LSU is counting on younger linebackers and recent transfers to mature quickly. Barker said Weeks’ presence—even in a limited capacity—has already been instrumental in accelerating that process.

“He’s mentoring guys like DJ Lagin and Marcus Brown. Those kids are athletic and eager, but they’re still learning what it means to be an SEC linebacker,” Barker explained. “Whit sits with them after practice, goes through film, points out things. That kind of peer leadership is so valuable, especially when you have a young defense like we do.”

Weeks’ injury also prompted LSU’s staff to take a long look at potential contingency plans, including shifting some veteran safeties closer to the line of scrimmage in hybrid roles and possibly leaning more on nickel packages to mask any temporary gaps in linebacker depth. However, with Weeks trending in the right direction, Barker sounded confident those emergency plans may not need to be implemented long-term.

“Yeah, we prepared for all scenarios,” Barker said. “You have to. This is the SEC. But I’d be lying if I said having Whit back in the mix doesn’t change the entire calculus for us.”

Weeks’ return could indeed be a major boost to a unit that must contend with high-powered offenses like Texas, Alabama, and Ole Miss in 2025. LSU’s defense was scrutinized heavily last season for allowing too many chunk plays, especially in third-and-long situations. Barker pointed to communication breakdowns and misalignment as key issues—areas Weeks helped stabilize when he was on the field.

“When Whit was out there, the noise went down. Guys got lined up. You could feel that sense of calm, that confidence,” Barker said. “He’s got that quarterback-of-the-defense mentality. Losing that, even for a few games, is noticeable.”

The Tigers are hoping a fully healthy Weeks can take another step in his development this fall. Despite only one full season under his belt, Weeks has already been mentioned in early 2026 NFL Draft conversations. While he has the option to return for a senior year, it’s clear LSU wants to make the most of what could be a breakout junior campaign.

“I think he has all the tools to be one of the best linebackers in the country,” Barker said. “But he’s not focused on the next level. He’s focused on helping us win right now. That’s what makes him special.”

Weeks has also been working behind the scenes with LSU’s strength and conditioning staff to maintain his upper body strength and football shape while his lower-body injury heals. While Barker didn’t specify the nature of the injury, sources close to the program say it was a non-surgical issue that occurred during an offseason conditioning session.

“He’s been doing pool work, bike work, light resistance stuff,” Barker said. “He’s not just sitting around. He’s staying ready.”

The optimism around Weeks extends beyond the football field. His maturity and approach have made a strong impression on LSU’s academic and athletic staff, and he’s become a key figure in community outreach programs. The Tigers are pushing a culture rebuild under head coach Brian Kelly, and Weeks is widely viewed as a foundational figure in that effort.

As LSU marches toward summer conditioning and, eventually, fall camp, all eyes will remain on Weeks and his recovery. Barker’s update brought a needed dose of optimism, but there remains an air of caution. The Tigers cannot afford to rush back one of their most important players, and they won’t.

“We’re going to be smart with him,” Barker emphasized. “He’s way too important to rush. But everything we’re seeing right now tells us he’s going to be good to go.”

For Weeks, the goal remains the same: get healthy, get back, and help lead LSU’s defense to new heights in 2025. If his recovery continues on this track, the Tigers might have their defensive anchor ready just in time for the battles ahead. And for a team with SEC title ambitions, that could be the most important win of the offseason.