Michigan State releases week 12 availability report
Michigan State will take the field against Illinois on Saturday without cornerback Charles Brantley, linebacker Wayne Matthews, safety Armorion Smith, safety Dillon Tatum, cornerback Chance Rucker, safety Malik Spencer and defensive tackle Jalen Satchell. The Spartans listed all seven players as “out” on their weekly availability report.
Michigan State listed zero players as “questionable.”
Brantley and Spencer left the Indiana game two weeks ago with injuries and did not return. Michigan State hoped that the bye week would serve as enough time for them to get healthy, but it appears they are not ready to go.
Ed Woods started every game opposite Brantley after Rucker went down in week two, so he will provide valuable experience on one side of the field at corner. Michigan State has regularly called upon junior Ade Willie as the next cornerback off the bench this season. He will likely start opposite Woods.
With Smith, Tatum and reserve safety Khalil Majeed out, true freshman Justin Denson could start next to Martinez at the other safety position. True freshman Jaylen Thompson has also seen time at safety this season.
Angelo Grose could also move from nickel to safety to fill in for Spencer. When Grose had to move back to safety midway through Michigan State’s season opener, his younger brother, walk-on transfer Aveon Grose, filled in for him at nickel.
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Matthews has played the Will and Sam linebacker positions this season. Sophomore Jordan Hall and redshirt junior Darius Snow could see their roles increased while playing alongside Cal Haladay and Jordan Turner at the linebacker spots.
Michigan State has kept a consistent rotation at defensive tackle this season, so those tasked with filling in for Satchell should be well-prepared. Ru’Quan Buckley and Ben Roberts are the likely candidates to see their roles increased with Satchell out. D’Quan Douse, Maverick Hansen and Alex VanSumeren should continue to see a bulk of the snaps at defensive tackle.
Quarterback Aidan Chiles and rush end Anthony Jones, both of whom sustained injuries against Indiana, are available to play. Wide receiver Jaron Glover missed the Indiana game but is expected to play against Illinois.
Michigan State remains without Majeed, tight end Michael Masunas, defensive end Avery Dunn, and guards Gavin Broscious and Kristian Phillips, all of whom sustained season-ending injuries.
