Depth chart analysis
Nate Brown is scratched from the depth chart. Brown played against Kentucky and Florida in Weeks 9 and 10, but not Saturday against Vanderbilt for an undisclosed reason. It’s likely his groin that he injured earlier this season, but not having the veteran wide-out truly is a big blow for the Missouri receiving corps. Luckily for the Tigers, true freshmen Jalen Knox and Dominic Gicinto have been stepping up in his absence lately.
Albert Okwuegbunam isn’t on this week’s depth chart, either. Missouri’s star tight end has been out lately with a shoulder injury and it looks like this week will be more of the same. Kendall Blanton is listed as his the starter as of now, but is dealing with a knee sprain that’s allowed Daniel Parker Jr. to step up. Parker, a former-defensive end converted to tight end, earned SEC Freshman of the Week honors for his performance against Vanderbilt (3 rec, 42 yds, 1 TD). While it’s certainly nice having Parker play well in the absence of Okwuegbunam and Blanton, the Tigers would like for their two tight ends to be healthy ASAP.
True freshman running back Simi Bakara makes this week’s official depth chart. With the health of Tyler Badie (foot) up in the air right now, Missouri needs someone to give Damarea Crockett and Larry Rountree III some rest. Enter Bakara. He saw his first action of the season Saturday against Vanderbilt and took advantage of his lone rush, totaling twelve yards after a nice cut finding the hole in the defense and showing off his speed. It should be interesting to see how he performs if Badie isn’t ready to go this upcoming weekend.