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SportsInjury Update
Combine evaluation shed light on Garrett Nussmeier's injury situation
TL;DR
LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier played through a spinal cyst injury during the 2025 season. He has been cleared of long-term risks and could undergo a minor procedure if issues arise again.
Key points
- Garrett Nussmeier played through a spinal cyst injury.
- He has been asymptomatic since the NFL draft process began.
- Doctors have cleared him of any long-term risks.
- He could undergo a minimally invasive procedure if needed.
- Nussmeier struggled during the 2025 season, throwing for 1,927 yards.
Garrett NussmeierLSUJayden Daniels
It was a disappointing redshirt senior season for LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier, but it has now been revealed that he was playing through injury throughout the campaign, as had been heavily rumored since the season.
Ahead of this week's 2026 NFL draft, NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, testing at the combine revealed a cyst on Nussmeier's spine, which was the source of his oblique pain during the 2025 season. Nussmeier has reportedly been asymptomatic since the draft process began, and doctors have cleared him of any long-term risk.
Should the condition cause problems again in the future, Nussmeier could undergo a "minimally invasive" procedure that would hold him out for only a few weeks.
Nussmeier, who waited two seasons behind Jayden Daniels in Baton Rouge, was in his second season as the starting quarterback last fall. He began the year as a Heisman favorite but ultimately struggled at times, throwing for 1,927 yards, 12 touchdowns and five interceptions.
He was benched after nine games as he battled a nagging injury.
Nussmeier is projected as a mid-round pick in the draft, and though he didn't have the strongest final season, his stock could be aided now that franchises have more clarity about his health situation.
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This article originally appeared on College Sports Wire: NFL Draft: Combine revealed cause of LSU QB Garrett Nussmeier injury
Q&A
What injury did Garrett Nussmeier have during the 2025 season?
Garrett Nussmeier had a cyst on his spine that caused oblique pain throughout the season.
What are the implications of Nussmeier's spinal cyst for his NFL career?
Nussmeier has been cleared of long-term risks, but if the cyst causes issues again, he may need a minimally invasive procedure.
How did Garrett Nussmeier perform in the 2025 season despite his injury?
Nussmeier threw for 1,927 yards, 12 touchdowns, and five interceptions, struggling at times after starting the season as a Heisman favorite.