Louisiana football injury updates, takeaways from end of fall camp

Louisiana’s 2026 season opener is Sept. 5 against Lamar, after the Ragin’ Cajuns wrapped up fall camp on Aug. 22. Coach Michael Desormeaux and staff spent the final scrimmage working on situational, goal-line and redzone plays as they aim to surpass last year’s 6-7 finish. The biggest positive is the expected return of wide receiver Shelton Sampson Jr., who missed all of preseason camp with a knee injury. However, more injuries surfaced during the scrimmage: Brock Chappell and Broderick Stewart did not finish, and staff planned to consult doctors to determine whether either issue is long-term. Maxie Baudoin IV also missed last week’s session with minor arm aggravation. Desormeaux highlighted multiple receiver contributors and said tight ends Caden Jensen, Teddy Gawlik and Emiliano Soldevilla will help replace the pass impact lost when Chappell is sidelined.