Eli Drinkwitz provides update on multiple Missouri injuries

Injuries are inevitable during fall camp, but Missouri has been lucky enough to stay rather clean to this point heading into the season.

Head coach Eli Drinkwitz revealed two key defenders that are currently not on the field for the Tigers heading into week three of camp. He also eased any worries fans might have about the long-term effects it may have on the team.

“I anticipate [Jaylon Carlies] will be able to play. He has really recovered well and has done an excellent job with his rehab and treatment,” Drinkwitz said on Saturday after Mizzou’s second fall scrimmage. “So, I anticipate that by the time we start game prep week — which really begins for us on Thursday — I think he’ll be a full participant.

“Chad [Bailey] is still working his way back from a soft tissue injury and he hasn’t quite gotten to where he’s comfortable. It’s kind of a wait-and-see approach. He’s working as hard as he can. I think he is frustrated with it, but you’ve got to trust the process.”

Carlies and Bailey were two of Missouri’s top three tacklers in 2022. Carlies totaled a team-high 60 solo tackles (81 total). His three interceptions were tied with Daylan Carnell for the most on the defense as well to go along with one sack and a forced fumble. Bailey’s 57 total tackles finished third most on the team and 2.5 sacks in 2022. He also finished with 8.5 tackles for loss over 11 games last season.

Bailey made headlines earlier this offseason when he was arrested on DWI charges. He was suspended from the team at the time, but has worked his way back and was recently named a team captain for the 2023 season alongisde fellow linebacker Ty’Ron Hopper.

Wide receiver Demariyon Houston, who logged six receptions for 39 yards and a touchdown in 2022 after seeing limited action due to injury, has been nursing another ailment this offseason that has kept him sidelined again.

“Peanut has a soft tissue injury that he tried to fight through, but it was from a recommendation from the doctor to shut him down for about four or five days,” Drinkwitz said. “We’ll progress him back on Tuesday and I don’t see this being anything more than rest and precautionary.”

Mizzou kicks off its 2023 season earlier than most, hosting South Dakota for a special Thursday night game on Aug. 31.