LSU running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire looks good dealing with hamstring injury

Leading into Saturday’s first College Football Playoff semifinal game, it was reported the health of LSU Tigers running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire would only see action in an emergency situation due to a hamstring injury suffered in practice.

Apparently the first drive can be deemed an emergency situation.

Edwards-Helaire saw action on LSU’s opening possession but did not touch the football. He took his first carry of the game on the Tigers’ third possession of the game and he made it count bowling over Oklahoma Sooners defenders for a 14-yard gain.

With LSU ahead 49-14 at halftime, it would be a shock to see Edwards-Helaire enter the ballgame as he tries to get healthy for the national title, especially after he took a big hit in the second quarter, which led to the ejection of Oklahoma cornerback Brendan Radley-Hiles.

When LSU head coach Ed Orgeron was asked at halftime if Edwards-Helaire was done for the day, he replied with, “Probably so.”

With how incredible LSU’s passing game is, there hasn’t been much for the running game in the first half. Edwards-Helaire has two carries for 14 yards, and Chris Curry is leading the way rushing for 45 yards on six carries.

Edwards-Helaire rushed for 1,290 yards coming into the game with 16 touchdowns, averaging 6.5 yards per carry.