Head coach Eli Drinkwitz discussed in his post-game press conference, following Mizzou’s 29-20 victory over South Carolina, that the Tiger’s starting left tackle Cayden Green was injured during Wednesday’s practice and underwent “a minor medical procedure” on Friday.
Drinkwitz didn’t share any more details of the injury, and he estimated the sophomore could be back in three to five weeks, specifying its not “season-ending.”
“We thought it was going to be OK,” Drinkwitz said. “He went through Thursday’s walk-through, but he didn’t feel right. We got an MRI that night, and decided the best thing was to go ahead and address it. He’ll return as soon as he possibly can.”
With Green sidelined, junior-college transfer Jayven Richardson stepped in. A first career start at left tackle, led to positive results. Mizzou quarterback Beau Pribula was sacked once and compared to the Gamecock’s Quarterback LaNorrus Sellers, faced less pressure in the pocket when scrambling.
The 214 total rushing yards by Mizzou running backs Ahmad Hardy and Jamal Roberts, alongside the 72 from Pribula, the ability of the three to knife their way through the defense, also came down partially to the protection of the offensive line.
“Ultimately, we’ve got a ton of confidence in him,” Drinkwitz said. “He’s a hard worker, and when his number was called, he was ready because of this brotherhood. That’s what our program is built on — taking advantage of your opportunities.”