Jayden Daniels has been the key to LSU’s offense this season, but a knee issue knocked him out of last Saturday’s win at Auburn.

The junior quarterback accounted for 139 total yards and touchdown before being replaced by Garrett Nussmeier.

For the season, Daniels has passed for 915 yards and 6 touchdowns and added 321 rushing yards and 3 additional TDs.

If the Tigers hope to beat No. 8 Tennessee at home on Saturday, they’ll likely need Daniels somewhere close to full strength.

On Monday, LSU coach Brian Kelly offered a promising report on Daniels’ status while speaking with Paul Finebaum.

“I’ve always felt like there’s a difference between being injured and being hurt,” Kelly said. “If you’re injured, our trainers are going to take care of you. They’re going to pull you out of the game. If you’re hurt, they’re going to administer the things necessary and try to get you back in the game. (Jayden) was hurt but the pain level was pretty high, so he wasn’t able to finish the game. But he’s much better today, and he’ll be ready to play on Saturday.”

Saturday’s game between the Tigers and the Volunteers will kick off at noon (ET) on ESPN.

Tennessee is currently a 2.5-point favorite.