After losing three consecutive games, it doesn't get any easier for the MSU football team. The Spartans host No. 1 Ohio State this weekend, and they'll be doing so with several key players either out or injured.
Senior wide receiver Matt Trannon was carted off the field with an ankle injury in the fourth quarter of Saturday's 31-13 loss to Michigan. Although the injury isn't severe, it's unlikely he'll suit up against the Buckeyes.
"Trannon is probably a week away," head coach John L. Smith said Monday at his weekly press conference. "I would not expect him to be ready."
Freshman T.J. Williams was listed as the starter in Trannon's place on Monday's depth chart.
Three other defensive starters who were banged up in last week's game appear to be healthy enough to play this week.
Senior defensive tackle Clifton Ryan suffered a calf contusion Saturday, but he was able to return and play through it before exiting in the fourth quarter.
"He'll be ready," Smith said. "He got a lot of the swelling out. It's looking like he should be ready to go."
Sophomore free safety Otis Wiley sprained his thumb early in the U-M game but was able to play through it and record eight tackles. He wore a cast on it during the second half and said he'll play against Ohio State wearing a similar cast.
Despite suffering a concussion in Saturday's game, senior linebacker David Herron Jr. told the coaches Sunday that he'd be able to play against the nation's No. 1 team, Smith said.
Senior quarterback Drew Stanton, who was nursing bruised ribs, avoided any further injury despite rushing seven times and getting sacked once.
"My body feels real good," Stanton said. "My overall health is as good as it's been all season long."
Still suspended
Juniors Kellen Davis and Eric Andino — MSU's first- and second-string tight ends — both remain suspended from the team after being late scratches from the U-M game.
"They're not with the football team at this point," Smith said. "They're suspended until further notice."
Smith didn't elaborate on what caused the suspensions.
With Davis out, sophomore Dwayne Holmes was called upon more against U-M and will step into the starting role against Ohio State.
"You've never played 50 plays before — you've played 20," Smith said, referring to Holmes. "But you're going to have to play 50."
Smith also was forced to use freshman offensive tackle Rocci Cironi as a backup tight end against U-M.
Redshirting Ringer?
Sophomore running back Javon Ringer might not need surgery on the right knee he injured in the first half of the Illinois game, Smith said.
Ringer, who tore the same ACL in high school, will wait six to eight weeks to see how his knee feels and will then make a decision.
"If it's tight, no surgery," Smith said. "If it's not, we're no worse for wear. We've got to go back in and do (the surgery)."
Ringer will not play this season, whether he undergoes surgery or not.
Under NCAA rules, players who suffer season-ending injuries in the first half of a season are eligible for a medical redshirt. Ringer's injury occurred in the fifth game of the year, so he could be granted a redshirt and have three years of eligibility left. Smith said MSU will pursue that option.
