Missouri's Bryant OK to face Ole Miss, Garrett needs surgery

Missouri quarterback Kelly Bryant is expected to participate in practice and play in this weekend’s game against Ole Miss while nursing a sprained left knee.

While that serves as positive news for the Tigers (4-1 overall, 1-0 SEC), they are bracing for the worst as star linebacker Cale Garrett has been ruled out indefinitely with a pectoral tendon injury.

“We’ll know a little more after that,” coach Barry Odom said of Garrett on Monday. “They may get in there tomorrow and get some better news (on his prognosis).”

As for Bryant, the quarterback had just released a 6-yard touchdown pass with 1:12 left in the first half in Missouri’s 42-10 rout of Troy when he was hit low and from behind by defensive lineman Travis Sailo. Bryant’s leg was bent awkwardly, and he immediately grabbed at his left knee as a penalty flag flew in for a personal foul.

Bryant, a graduate transfer from Clemson, completed 12 of 19 passes for 221 yards as the Tigers seized a 42-7 halftime lead. He connected on three touchdown passes in the first half, including a 64-yarder to Jonathan Nance.

Taylor Powell came in to replace Bryant to start the third quarter. He completed 6 of 8 passes for 57 yards.

Garrett recorded a team-leading 39 tackles, three interceptions and three defensive touchdowns this season for Missouri, which hosts Ole Miss (3-3, 2-1) on Saturday.

“Any way you look at it, it’s devastating, it’s awful,” Odom said. “But I also know in listening to defensive staff last night and watching the players today, they’re going to go out and try to play even better for Cale. We understand that he was as productive as anybody in the country.

“We’re not wanting or needing one guy to step up and expect him to get the same amount of production as Cale, but we’re going to need everybody to fill in.”

— Field Level Media