Good thing it’s just March.

Arguably Missouri’s two best pass-catchers both missed Thursday’s practice due to injuries.

Nate Brown, listed as the starting slot receiver where he’s worked since bowl practice, suffered a Grade 1 MCL strain in his left knee. The rising sophomore, spotted in a knee brace Thursday, could be back after the team pauses for spring break. Mizzou returns to the field March 31 for nine final practices before the April 18 Black & Gold game.

Sean Culkin, the returning starter at tight end, also endured a Grade 1 AC joint separation in his right shoulder. Grade 1 injuries are the least severe, and Culkin could return as soon as next week.

Given the team’s relative code red due to a lack of experienced pass-catchers, the Tigers want quarterback Maty Mauk to get as many reps with Brown and Culkin as possible. Most project Brown as the team’s No. 1 receiver this fall. The 6-foot-6, 245-pound Thor look-alike Culkin caught 20 passes for 174 yards last season, but he and Mauk seemed to get their wires crossed on occasion.

Missouri currently is practicing with five healthy scholarship receivers and two healthy scholarship tight ends, according to the Columbia Tribune.

While the Tigers aren’t as beat up as teams like Texas A&M, Florida and Tennessee at certain positions this spring, absences are starting to pile up. Defensive tackle A.J. Logan is day-to-day due to an arch strain in his foot, another new injury.

S Cortland Browning (foot), G Brad McNulty (shoulder), S Tavon Ross (knee) and RB Morgan Steward (hip) are out. Ross tore his ACL and is in danger of missing the season. CB John Gibson has been absent from practice for what the team is describing as personal reasons.

Mizzou practices again Friday, then twice next week before enjoying spring break.