What's Happening?
LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier has been diagnosed with a cyst on his spine, as revealed during pre-draft physicals. According to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, the cyst was pressing on a nerve, causing discomfort in Nussmeier's oblique. Despite this,
he has been asymptomatic since before the Senior Bowl and throughout the draft process. If symptoms arise, a minimally invasive procedure could be performed, requiring a recovery period of 2-3 weeks. This diagnosis may explain Nussmeier's underwhelming performance during his final year at LSU, where he threw for 1,927 yards, 12 touchdowns, and five interceptions. Coach Brian Kelly had previously mentioned Nussmeier's torso injury, which may have contributed to his struggles. The quarterback is ranked as the No. 107 overall player and fourth-ranked quarterback on Bleacher Report's final big board.
Why It's Important?
The revelation of Garrett Nussmeier's spine cyst is significant as it provides a potential explanation for his performance issues during his last season at LSU. This could positively impact his NFL draft stock, as teams may view his past struggles as injury-related rather than a lack of skill. The fact that the procedure to address the cyst is minimally invasive and has a short recovery time may reassure teams about his long-term health prospects. Nussmeier's situation highlights the importance of thorough medical evaluations in the draft process, as they can significantly alter perceptions of a player's potential. His comparison to San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy by B/R NFL scout Dame Parson suggests that Nussmeier has the skills to succeed at the professional level, provided his health issues are managed effectively.
