Vanderbilt’s head coach Shea Ralph once called Aneesah Morrow “a monster in a good way.” But on Thursday night, the monster was missing. No relentless rebounding, no second-chance buckets—just Morrow on the bench, clad in street clothes and a walking boot. Just days ago, she was fighting through contact against Texas. Now, LSU fans were left with one burning question: What happened to Aneesah Morrow?

According to a recent post on X by Scott Rabalais, “Kim Mulkey said Aneesah Morrow (foot) could have played tonight if needed. Got stepped on at Texas and has a contusion. #LSU.” The injury, while not serious, was enough to sideline Morrow for the first time in her collegiate career. The senior forward had played every game in her LSU tenure and all 27 games this season, making her absence against Georgia a rare sight.

LSU, ranked No. 7, (on the AP Poll) had already dealt with injuries to key players this season. Flau’jae Johnson, one of their top three players, was a game-time decision for the Texas game but played through it.

Morrow, however, wasn’t as fortunate. Listed as “questionable” ahead of Thursday’s game, the decision was made to rest her and ensure she’d be ready for the stretch run of the season. With four regular-season games remaining, LSU is fighting for a top-four finish in the SEC and a crucial double-bye in the conference tournament. Having Morrow at full strength is a priority.

Her impact on the team is undeniable. Morrow, a “walking double-double,” as dubbed by Mulkey herself, leads the country with 14.4 rebounds per game and has recorded 22 double-doubles this season. She’s also ranked No. 2 in the nation with 5.3 offensive rebounds per game, a key reason why LSU averages over 19 second-chance points per contest. Her presence in the paint has been a defining factor for the Tigers, making her absence against Georgia a challenge.

No Morrow, no problem: LSU flexes depth in a dominant win over Georgia

Still, LSU adjusted. With Morrow sidelined, Kim Mulkey opted for a small-ball lineup, inserting Jersey Wolfenbarger and Last-Tear Poa into the starting five. The change paid off, with Wolfenbarger stepping up in a big way, recording 16 points and 12 rebounds. Flau’jae Johnson led the charge with 21 points, including a deep three-pointer to close the third quarter, putting LSU up 58-45. From there, Georgia never threatened again, as LSU cruised to a 79-63 victory.

Even without Morrow, LSU dominated the glass, grabbing 19 offensive rebounds and scoring 21 second-chance points compared to Georgia’s 11. That kind of effort underscores Mulkey’s coaching philosophy—next player up. “We don’t make excuses,” she’s often said, and the Tigers certainly didn’t against Georgia.

Had Morrow suited up, it wouldn’t have been the first time she pushed through pain. Last season, she took a shot to the mouth against Tennessee, loosening a front tooth and bloodying her lip. Earlier in her career, she battled back from an ACL tear. Toughness is in her DNA, and if LSU had truly needed her against Georgia, she likely would have played. But with the SEC Tournament looming and a deep NCAA Tournament run in sight, Mulkey and her staff made the smart call to rest their star forward.

The Tigers now turn their focus to Sunday’s showdown against No. 14 Kentucky, where Morrow is expected to return. With LSU chasing a top-four SEC finish, her presence could be the difference between an easier path in the conference tournament or a tougher road ahead. Either way, one thing is certain: Aneesah Morrow isn’t staying on the bench for long.