Dworaczyk lost for season

LSU coach Les Miles announced Monday that he doesn't expect guard Josh Dworaczyk to be back this season.

Dworaczyk sat out spring practice after having arthroscopic knee surgery following the Cotton Bowl. He practiced on a limited basis during the first couple of weeks of August camp. Then, Dworaczyk suffered an injury to the other knee. He will now need surgery on that knee.

"Josh is working as a student assistant for us now," said Miles at his weekly media luncheon. "I hope that he will be return as a medical candidate next year."

Dworaczyk had started every game at left guard for the Tigers the past two seasons. He already used his redshirt season in 2007. Therefore, the NCAA must grant Dworaczyk a sixth year in order for him to play in 2012.

According to Senior Associate Athletic Director for Compliance and Planning Bo Bahnsen, there is a chance that Dworaczyk could receive another season of eligibility.

"The NCAA has been more lenient in extending playing time in recent years," Bahnsen said. "In the past, guys would have to lose two full seasons due to injury to get a sixth year. If the injury will keep someone out for more than a year, he could get an extra season."

Therefore, it may be difficult for the NCAA to grant Dworaczyk a sixth year if he participated in 2012 spring practice.

With Dworaczyk out the top five guards are starters T-Bob Hebert and Will Blackwell and backups La'el Collins, Josh Williford and Matt Branch. Both Williford and Branch have had their own injury problems this season although they are now healthy enough to play.