BATON ROUGE – LSU football coach Brian Kelly told reporters Tuesday that sophomore tight end Mac Markway is no longer with the team.

Following the team's fifth preseason practice, Kelly said that Markway informed the LSU coaching staff Monday night that "he was no longer going to play football at LSU."

Kelly said he's unsure of what Markway's plans are going to be, whether it be entering the transfer portal or stepping away from football.

"He's made a decision he's not going to play," Kelly said. "I don't know what he plans are, whether he's going to transfer but he told us last night that he's not going to play at LSU anymore."

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While Markway's departure doesn't affect LSU's starting lineup, it does take a hit on depth at a position that has just two other guys who have college experience.

Junior Mason Taylor is one of the stars on offense for the Tigers haading into the 2024 season, and big things are expected from him. Sophomore Ka'Morreun Pimpton has also logged some snaps for LSU during his freshman season last year, but didn't see the field in meaningful time.

Update on LSU football receiver Zavion Thomas

Wide receiver Zavion Thomas has worked off the side for much of practice the last two days.

Kelly told reporters Tuesday that the junior wideout has been dealing with a hamstring injury, but the coach doesn't believe that it's a major issue.

"We feel like he's going to be a guy that's going to be an important player for us," Kelly said. "We don't want anything lingering, so we've just been very careful with him."

LSU football defensive linemen Bradyn Swinson, Jalen Lee

Two of LSU's defensive linemen, Bradyn Swinson and Jalen Lee, have been out of practice due to wrapping up a summer Spanish course.

Kelly mentioned that the pair has been able to work out in the football facility in the afternoons while missing practices. The LSU coach said that the class is scheduled to end Monday, and that Lee and Swinson should be set to be eligible to graduate after completing the coursework.

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Cory Diaz covers the LSU Tigers for The Daily Advertiser as part of the USA TODAY Network. Follow his Tigers coverage on Twitter: @ByCoryDiaz. Got questions regarding LSU athletics? Send them to Cory Diaz atbdiaz@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Lafayette Daily Advertiser: Brian Kelly says TE Mac Markway 'no longer playing at LSU'