Both LSU and BYU may both have major absences on defense in their Week 1 showdown.

LSU coach Ed Orgeron addressed the status of LB Arden Key, who’s being named to multiple preseason All-America teams, on Thursday when he was asked about Key being ready for BYU.

Ross Dellenger of The Advocate shared a transcript of Orgeron’s comments:

“Nah. I don’t think so, I’m not sure, but I’m not expecting it. But nothing that dude does surprises me. He’s going to go to his doctor next week, and we should know pretty soon when he’s going to play.

“He’s ahead of schedule. He’s doing some things. Today he’s taking on blocks, doing some things. I just don’t know when he’s going to be ready, what the doctors are going to say.

“He’s not hitting. He’s going through some walk-through stuff. Today he had his pads on. I’ve got to take him off drills, stepping through stuff, using his hands, reading his keys, does pass rush moves. But he’s not taking any contact.”

Key is recovering from a shoulder injury which required surgery.