Jalen Mills Injury: Updates on LSU Star's Recovery from Ankle Surgery

LSU Tigers free safety Jalen Mills had surgery to address an ankle injury he suffered in practice on August 19.

He is currently recovering faster than expected and is on track to play this season. 

Continue for updates.

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Mills Expected to Return "In Routine Time"

Wednesday, Sept. 9

Less than a month after ankle surgery, LSU coach Les Miles sounded optimistic when discussing Mills' rehab, stating his progression is "happening extremely fast," per the team's Twitter account. 

Miles added Mills is "way ahead of the curve," according to David Ching of ESPN.com. 

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Mills Undergoes Ankle Surgery

Tuesday, August 25

Glenn Guilbeau of USA Today reported Mills had undergone a procedure, leaving the Tigers secondary without its senior leader.

"I'm still harboring personal feelings that we can get him back sooner rather than later," said Miles regarding Mills' situation, per Guilbeau.

Mills made the transition from cornerback to safety in 2014 and thrived as a first-team All-SEC selection. It will be difficult for the Tigers to replace Mills on the back end while he recovers, but at least Miles offered an update with a silver lining regarding Mills' recovery timeline.

Junior Rickey Jefferson is the next man up to fill in for Mills. LSU's depth is immediately being tested at a key position with Jefferson, who has converted to defense during college after playing mostly receiver in high school.

It will be interesting to see how the Tigers' core adjusts in the aftermath of former defensive coordinator John Chavis' departure for Texas A&M.