STATESBORO — Syracuse transfer defensive end Justin Ellis experienced a knee injury during the LSU game Saturday and he will be out for the remainder of the 2019 season, Georgia Southern head coach Chad Lunsford announced during Monday’s press conference.

Ellis had one tackle before going down late in the third quarter.

“I don’t really have all of the details on that yet, but he will be out,” Lunsford said.

GS’ starting quarterback Shai Werts also took a big hit in Saturday’s game. Werts came out for a few plays, went back in and then was pulled for the second half. 

“We X-rayed him during the game and he was cleared to come back in the game in the second half, we just thought it was a good idea not to,” Lunsford said. “As far as Shai goes, it’s day to day. We’re looking and just making sure he’ll be able to play this week.”

In Werts’ absence, redshirt-freshman Justin Tomlin saw the field. Tomlin went 3 for 8 for 24 yards and rushed for four more yards.

“It was a good chance to give Justin Tomlin some snaps in the second half,” Lunsford said. “I thought he did a good job, being put in that situation. That was valuable for him.”

The Eagles are scheduled to host Maine Saturday at 6 p.m., but that could change depending on Hurricane Dorian. 

McClain Baxley, The George-Anne Editor-in-Chief, gaeditor@georgiasouthern.edu