LSU running back Leonard Fournette is one of the most talented football players in the country at any position. Unfortunately, a nagging ankle injury has prevented No. 7 from showing that talent on the field for the Tigers in 2016.

Fournette suffered a high ankle sprain during the second week of preseason camp and has since re-injured that ankle twice -- in the season opener against Wisconsin and in Les Miles' final game, a loss at Auburn on Sept. 24.

With an extra week off thanks to LSU's indefinitely postponed SEC game against Florida, some expected to see Leonard Fournette back out on the field against Southern Miss on Saturday. Not the case. Ed Orgeron told reporters this week that not only is Fournette expected to sit out but he hasn't even been able to practice yet because of the injury.

"No, he's not ready. He's just not ready," Orgeron said, via The Advocate. "It's taking a little longer than we thought. I'm sure if he'd be ready, he'd be playing. He's not ready to even practice right now."

LSU is more than a three-touchdown favorite in the game against Southern Miss, with little change in that betting line expected now with news that Fournette is likely out. More than anything, the news adds disappointment to a 2016 season that had SEC title hopes for LSU and Heisman hopes for Fournette.