Louisiana football will be without Chris Smith, Tayland Humphrey for the New Orleans Bowl

Neither usual starting running back Chris Smith nor usual starting nose tackle Tayland Humphrey will play in the New Orleans Bowl, Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns football coach Michael Desormeaux said after practice Wednesday night.

UL (12-1) faces Marshall (7-5) on Saturday (8:15 p.m., ESPN) at the Superdome in New Orleans.

Desormeaux previously said Smith, leading rusher for the No. 17 Cajuns, has been dealing with a knee issue.

Surgery is not needed, according to Desormeaux.

“He’s been banged up all year for us,” Desormeaux said, “so he’s definitely out.”

Desormeaux said also suggested Humphrey, an East-West Shrine Bowl invitee, has been playing hurt too, saying he went into the season dealing with an injury. He did not specify the injury.

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Humphrey is a 2022 NFL Draft prospect, and preparing for his potential pro future evidently factored into the decision-making.

“He’s moved on,” Desormeaux said. “He’s not with the team.”

Desormeaux also indicated it is possible that other players who’ve been dealing with lingering injuries may not be available, but he did not say who they were or when a decision on their availability will be made.

UL has not yet released a new depth chart for the bowl game.

Desormeaux also said the Cajuns have no flu cases, which had been a bit of an issue last week, and no COVID-19 outbreaks.

This article originally appeared on Lafayette Daily Advertiser: Louisiana football injuries New Orleans Bowl Smith Humphrey Marshall