LSU CB Derek Stingley Jr. hospitalized with illness unrelated to COVID-19

The LSU Tigers will be without their star cornerback on Saturday against Mississippi State. 

According to a statement released by LSU (h/t The Athletic's Brody Miller), Derek Stingley Jr. was hospitalized overnight on Friday with an illness unrelated to COVID-19. The statement adds that Stingley Jr. became "acutely ill" overnight. 

The statement did not say whether or not Stingley Jr. will miss Saturday's season-opener, but Miller reports that the cornerback is out. 

Stingley Jr. arguably is LSU's premier defender. As a freshman, he recorded six interceptions in 15 games. His potential absence will be good for opposing quarterback K.J. Costello, who is making his Mississippi State debut. 

Cordale Flott, Jay Ward and Darren Evans could replace him.