LSU football: Tigers lose third defender to significant injury

The LSU Tigers defense took another hit Wednesday with a source confirming to NOLA.com that linebacker Corey Thompson suffered a left injury. The concern is that Thompson may have a broken fibula that would require surgery and a likely 6-8-week recovery.

Thompson's injury comes days after starting defensive lineman Christian LaCouture and reserve linebacker Isaiah Washington suffered knee injuries that are expected to sideline them for the 2016 season.

Thompson had been in line to serve as a backup at middle linebacker, which is considered a thin position for the Tigers defense. The 6-foot-2, 222-pounder moved from safety in the spring to add depth. He has played in 32 games with eight starts over the past three seasons after redshirting in 2014 due to another knee injury. Thompson would have to apply for a medical redshirt if he sat out the 2016 season.

Thompson was credited with 15 tackles while playing in nine games including three starts in 2015. The Missouri City, Texas native has been credited with 66 tackles and three pass breakups over his career.

--LaCouture confirmed on Twitter on Tuesday that his 2016 season is over due to a torn ACL suffered in practice.

"I would like to thank everyone who has offered their support during this time. I really appreciate it. I tore my ACL during practice," he wrote. "I plan to attack this injury head on and I will help and support this team from the sideline and watch them achieve greatness #geauxtigers."

The 6-foot-5, 301-pounder considered leaving for the NFL Draft last spring but decided to return for his senior season. Now he will contemplate whether to enter the 2017 NFL Draft or use his redshirt to return to LSU for another season.