Michigan State football: 3 key players potentially out for the season

Right when we felt like Michigan State football was healthy, three key players went down with potentially season-ending injuries.

Michigan State football coach Jonathan Smith spoke to the media right before the season opener, glowing about the fact that his team was able to remain healthy, for the most part, throughout fall camp.

It felt like the Spartans had experienced good luck for once with the injury bug.

But that looks to have changed in a hurry.

In fact, Michigan State lost three key players to long-term injuries in the opener and there’s a chance that none of them return this year. Dillon Tatum, Khalil Majeed, and Alante Brown all suffered serious injuries in the opener and Smith spoke to the media about their returns.

Injury updates:

– Alante Brown: "hopeful" for a November return
– Khalil Majeed: "doubtful" to come back
– Dillon Tatum: perhaps out with a season-ending injury.

— Spartans Illustrated (@SpartansRivals) September 2, 2024

Tatum’s injury probably hurts the most since he was a leader on defense and one of the most versatile defenders that the team had. He could line up at safety, nickel, or cornerback and excel in all three spots. With the loss of the veteran defensive back, Michigan State’s depth in the secondary takes a huge hit.

Speaking of depth, Majeed may not be a starter, but he was a solid depth piece and gave Michigan State different looks. Fortunately, Nikai Martinez has stepped up and looks the part but losing depth at an already-thin position was not ideal. He’s unlikely to be back this year.

Brown missed most of the 2023 season after starting with an injury in the opener and now he’s repeating that bad luck. According to Smith, he suffered an injury against Florida Atlantic and is “hopeful” for a return by November. This is just horrendous luck for a journeyman receiver who was hoping to finally have a fully healthy year.

Three tough blows for Michigan State’s health in the opener, but hopefully some guys can step up in their place.