Michigan State junior defensive tackle Malik McDowell, a former Ohio State recruiting target and potential first-round pick in the 2017 NFL draft, missed last Saturday's win over Rutgers due to an ankle injury suffered Nov. 5 in a road loss to Illinois and an already ongoing rib injury.
It was yet another injury to Sparty's defensive unit, which started three true freshmen last week.
McDowell's status against Ohio State seems to be cloudy, too. Tuesday, Michigan State removed him from the latest depth chart.
For context, we turn to MLive.com reporter Kyle Austin:
MSU typically doesn't remove a player from a depth chart unless it's a long-term deal. We'll know more when Dantonio talks at 11:30
— Kyle Austin (@kylebaustin) November 15, 2016
Dantonio spoke at 11:30, and ruled McDowell "out" before clarifying he didn't know why MSU removed McDowell from the depth chart. His final judgment: "He'll either start or he won't play."
If he's unable to start, here's Michigan's DT depth chart as it stands:
| NUMBER | PLAYER | HEIGHT | WEIGHT | YEAR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 96 | MIKE PANASIUK | 6-2 | 309 | FRESHMAN |
| 58 | DEVYN SALMON | 6-1 | 321 | JUNIOR |
| 51 | KYONTA STALLWORTH | 6-3 | 280 | RS-FRESHMAN |
No. 2 Ohio State at Michigan State kicks off at 12 p.m. Saturday on ESPN.
