LSU updates QB Sam Leavitt’s status ahead of Ole Miss showdown

LSU upgraded quarterback Sam Leavitt from doubtful to questionable on Thursday’s SEC availability report ahead of Saturday night’s primetime game at Ole Miss.

Leavitt is managing an upper-body injury. He did not throw in Wednesday’s practice but took part in Thursday’s walkthrough. The Tigers first listed him as doubtful on Wednesday night, a designation the SEC defines as unlikely to play and roughly a 25 percent chance of availability.

Lane Kiffin did not address an injury to his starter during Monday’s news conference or on his radio show on Thursday. Leavitt did not appear limited last Saturday against Louisiana Tech, when he produced 366 total yards and four touchdowns after three first-half interceptions.

The Arizona State transfer has scored seven touchdowns in two games — two passing and five rushing — during wins over Clemson and Louisiana Tech. He has 574 passing yards and four interceptions, plus 135 rushing yards.

Ole Miss staff sources told ESPN they were skeptical the original listing fully reflected Leavitt’s status. Conference rules prohibit gamesmanship meant to hide a player’s true availability and allow fines of $25,000 to $100,000, with possible measures against head coaches.

The SEC will issue another report on Friday night and a final update 90 minutes before kickoff.

Should Leavitt sit in Oxford, LSU could turn to freshman Husan Longstreet, listed as the backup, or sophomore Landen Clark, who has attempted more passes this season.