Blake Shapen injury update: Latest on severity of Mississippi State QB's injury
Mississippi State quarterback Blake Shapen is set to miss the rest of the 2024 season due to an injury, the team announced on Saturday night. It’s a shoulder for the former Baylor transfer, occurring during the loss against Florida in Starkville. A tough blow for the Bulldogs.
“Shapen to miss rest of 2024 season with injury,” the official Mississippi State X account said.
Head coach Jeff Lebby released a statement on the matter, saying Shapen will still make an impact on the program from the sideline. Mississippi State will also begin the process of applying for a medical redshirt in the hopes of getting the quarterback back for the 2025 season.
“We’re all hurting for Blake after this unfortunate news,” Lebby said in a statement. “Blake is the ultimate competitor and teammate and an unquestioned leader in our program. I know he will work incredibly hard to come back stronger than ever, and he will continue to serve as a team leader from the sidelines. We will support Blake every step of the way during his recovery process and explore all options to help him seek a medical hardship waiver to regain his lost year of eligibility.”
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Shapen had played in all four Mississippi State games to this point, throwing for 974 yards, three touchdowns, and an interception. However, just one win took place during those. Three straight have resulted in losses, two of which were in front of the home faithful.
A quarterback decision is now facing Lebby for the final eight games of the year. True freshman Michael Van Burnen was the one to enter the game when Shapen initially went down with the injury. He completed seven of 13 passes for 100 yards and did show some flash with his feet. Lebby going to him during the game might be a sign of what’s to come.
Chris Parson will also be an option for Mississippi State. Lebby could take a week of practice before making his choice. Either way, a youngster is going to get on the field.
Next up on the schedule is a road trip to Austin to face the No. 1 ranked Texas Longhorns for the program’s first-ever SEC game. A bye week then separates playing the No. 2 team in the current AP poll, Georgia. Three other top-10 teams are in the back half of the schedule, headlined by the Egg Bowl against Ole Miss.