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Jonathan Smith confirms long-term injuries for key Michigan State trio
By Mark Kern
Published:
It wasn’t the prettiest win by any means, but Jonathan Smith started off his tenure as the coach at Michigan State with a 16-10 win against Florida Atlantic in Week 1.
The defense picked up the slack for the Spartans, as they held the Owls to 248 yards on 3.4 yards per play. The pass defense was especially good while only allowing 116 yards and pulled down 2 interceptions.
There is some bad news for the defense though, as the team is now having to deal with some injury issues, especially at the safety position. Juniors Dillon Tatum and Khalil Majeed both suffered lower-body injuries, Smith revealed on Monday.
It doesn’t sound like Tatum or Majeed will be back this season for a Michigan State team that is already not the deepest team. To have two guys of that caliber go down on defense in the first game will present a tough challenge for the Spartans, but Smith said people have to step up.
Jonathan Smith gives updates on the injury front from FAU game:
– Alante Brown is "hopeful" to returning in November
– Khalil Majeed is "doubtful" to come back
– Dillon Tatum might be out with a season-ending injury.— Madeline Kenney (@madkenney) September 2, 2024
Jonathan Smith on how MSU can move forward, despite the two long-term injuries to the secondary: "We got some answers but it's always going to be next-man up. It's a physical game but we got to have the next guy step in."
— Madeline Kenney (@madkenney) September 2, 2024
“We got some answers, but it’s always going to be next man up,” Smith said. “It’s a physical game, but we got to have the next guy step in.”
The Spartans also suffered an injury on the offensive side of the ball, as wide receiver Alante Brown suffered an injury too. While it is serious, it isn’t expected to be season-ending and there is hope that he could come back in November.