Les Miles Reinstates Jordan Jefferson, Injects Requisite Uncertainty Into LSU's Season.

Jefferson won’t start, and he won’t play much initially, since he hasn’t practiced since being suspended. Though, he may debut against Kentucky this weekend, not because he will be prepared or particularly effective, but because it’s a more convenient time to release the elephant. At full capacity, he and Jarrett Lee should reverse roles from last year. Lee would be the default quarterback. Jefferson would spell him as a change of pace and run option packages. On paper? Great. In practice? Yikes.

Simplicity has been a blessing for LSU this year. Last season’s offense tried to do too much too complexly. The result was muddled, inchoate and quite often ineffective performances. The Tigers can do less now, but they do what they can do far more efficiently. They run the ball. They pepper in manageable passes. They don’t make mistakes. Streamlining the game plan has yielded results. Adding dimensions for the sake of it is risky.

Jefferson is neither Tim Tebow nor Terrelle Pryor. He’s not even B.J. Daniels. Jefferson is athletic, but that’s about it. He’s erratic and quite often nothing remotely resembling an effective quarterback. He certainly will add a dimension, but that dimension could be a soul-crushing interception at an untimely moment.

His presence alone creates a weird dynamic. Jefferson won the starting job. He lost it due neither to ineffectiveness nor injury. He could be a malcontent. Even if he’s totally cool with the situation, the coaching staff now has another option. The pressure ratchets up on Jarrett Lee. He pushes himself to justify his presence. He looks over his shoulder every time he throws a pick. Jefferson gives LSU an experienced, viable replacement should Jarrett Lee falter, but he also increases the probability of that happening.

Under the best case scenario, Jefferson plays well, is a good citizen and becomes Jarrett Lee’s “Perrilloux.” But, how likely is that scenario and is striving for it worth the risk?

[Photo via Getty]

Previously: Witnesses Claim Jordan Jefferson Kicked Man in Head During Bar Fight

Previously: Jordan Jefferson Was Involved in Some Kind of Bar Fight Thursday Night.