Mizzou was expecting to enter spring practices with a chance to work TE Kendall Blanton, a rising junior, into a larger role with the offense.

However, the rising junior will miss spring camp, as KansasCity.com reported on Wednesday that Blanton had surgery to repair torn ligaments in his right ankle.

Blanton recorded 16 catches for 161 yards and three touchdowns in 2016, but was expected to have a larger role in 2017. Now, though, the Tigers will use rising senior Jason Reese — who caught eight passes for 97 yards and two scores last year — as the starter this spring.

Mizzou anticipates having Blanton back in time for fall camp, but it remains to be seen how much the Tigers will use the former 3-star recruit from the Kansas City area.