Mario Craver injury: Mississippi State WR heads to the locker room

Mississippi State star freshman receiver Mario Craver has made quite an impact in his first year with the Bulldogs. And he was playing well in Saturday’s game against Texas A&M before going down with an injury. Craver had to be helped off the field with assistance from trainers and medical staff in the third quarter. He could not put any pressure on his right leg. Craver was taken to the locker room for further medical evaluation, according to Brian Hadad.

Craver was expected to be an instant impact player this year for the Bulldogs and he hasn’t disappointed. As of October 13th, he ranked fourth among all freshman in college football in receiving yards (313 yards). He suffered the injury on Saturday after taking an end-around for a short gain.

Before leaving the field, Craver hauled in five catches for 42 yards and a touchdown. He also had one carry. He’s one of Mississippi State’s three-starting receivers. Kelly Akharaiyi is listed behind him on the depth chart, followed by Ricky Johnson.

Mississippi State lost to Texas A&M on Saturday night, 34-24.

Following the game, there was no injury update on Craver from Mississippi State head coach Jeff Lebby.

Before joining the Bulldogs, the Pinson, Alabama native was a coveted prospect coming out of the high school ranks. Standing at 5-9, 150 pounds, Craver was ranked as the No. 279 overall prospect in America in the 2024 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Rankings. He was tabbed as a four-star prospect.

He played in the Under Armour All-American Game in January, hauling in a 51-yard touchdown catch in that one. In the Mississippi State spring game, he hauled in five catches for 96 yards and a touchdown. He’ll be expected to make an instant impact for the Bulldogs this fall.

Craver played his high school football at Clay-Chalkville (Pinson, Alabama), the same team that Alabama freshman defensive back Jaylen Mbwake played for.

Up next, Mississippi State will take on the Arkansas Razorbacks. That one will be played on October 26th. Kick is set for 12:45 PM EST and the game will be nationally televised on SEC Network.