Missouri State loses starting linebacker to injury entering Week 2

SPRINGFIELD — Missouri State's defense was on the field for what felt like an eternity against No. 8 Texas A&M on Saturday, Sept. 5. The Bears (0-1) were blanked 50-0, but injury concerns were another storyline exiting the non-conference game. Head coach Casey Woods spoke to the media on Monday, Sept. 7. He gave an update on the team's health entering the team's second game of the season against Lindenwood on Saturday, Sept. 12. Woods shared that linebacker Hieko Malone will be out of the season. Malone was injured on the opening drive of the game. Missouri State football: Bears honor Springfield with helmet flag decal Missouri State: Takeaways from Bears opening loss to No. 8 Texas A&M Check out our best photos from Missouri State football vs Texas A&M "Any time you play an SEC team, you come out banged up," Woods said. "One significant injury, Heiko Malone, he'll be a guy out for the season. Our prayers are certainly with him, as he gets himself well for next year." Four other Missouri State defensive starters went down with an injury against the Aggies. Defensive linemen Tim Brantley Jr. and Gilles Tchio all exited the game. Corner Joel Kpassou and linebacker Jared Lloyd were in-and-out of the lineup, too. Woods does anticipate all other players to feature against Lindenwood. "No one else is longterm," he said. "We'll have a better feel on Tuesday, but right now, I'm anticipating everybody to be available for this weekend." Liam Keating covers high school sports and Missouri State athletics for The Springfield News-Leader. Send stats or information to him at Lkeating@usatodayco.com This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Missouri State loses starting linebacker to injury entering Week 2