Mizzou key starting OL Connor McGovern sprains right knee
Missouri will be without a key member of its offensive line for the rest of spring practice.
Senior Connor McGovern sprained his right knee during Saturday’s scrimmage and likely will not participate in the rest of the Tigers’ spring sessions.
Missouri OL Connor McGovern has a sprained MCL, likely to be held out rest of spring as precaution.
— Dave Matter (@Dave_Matter) April 7, 2015
Mitch Hall looks to be filling McGovern's right guard spot, Brad McNulty at left guard.
— David Morrison (@DavidCMorrison) April 7, 2015
Pinkel also said Connor McGovern being out for the spring could be a benefit, giving them a chance to try out some combinations with the 1s.
— David Morrison (@DavidCMorrison) April 7, 2015
The 6-foot-4, 300-pound McGovern has been practicing at right guard, forming a powerful run-blocking link with senior center Evan Boehm. McGovern started last season at right tackle, and Mizzou cautioned the media last week that it may seek to move McGovern to left tackle or right tackle, depending on how other less-proven players develop.
The news came on the same day that redshirt senior Brad McNulty (shoulder) returned to practice. Mitch Hall has been practicing at left guard, with the understanding that McNulty could push him back to the bench upon returning. Missouri also was considering playing both Hall and McNulty at guard and slotting McGovern at one of the tackle spots.
Mizzou is evaluating a number of offensive tackles during spring practice.
A few other notes:
- Safety Cortland Browning also returned from injury Tuesday, but Anthony Sherrils remained the first-team safety working with senior Ian Simon.
- The team moved cornerback Raymond Wingo to slot receiver Tuesday. Coach Gary Pinkel told the media the move may not be permanent. Wingo played offense in high school and the team has a big need at receiver, as evidenced by a reported eight drops in Saturday’s scrimmage.
Pinkel on Wingo at WR: "With all the young players, the youth on our offense, we might as well bring another young guy in there, right?"
— David Morrison (@DavidCMorrison) April 8, 2015
- Missouri will scrimmage again this Saturday before holding its annual spring game on April 18.