COLUMBIA, Mo. — Missouri edge rusher Darris Smith will miss the entire 2024 season after suffering a knee injury during Tuesday’s practice.
The nature of the junior defensive end’s injury is not known, but it will keep him sidelined for the full season, the program said Wednesday.
“We are devastated by the injury to Darris,†Mizzou coach Eli Drinkwitz said in a statement. “He was having an outstanding camp and was poised to have a great year. We will support Darris in his recovery and look forward to him returning stronger than before.â€
Losing the Georgia transfer is a preseason blow to the Tigers defense, which seemed likely to feature Smith as one its more dangerous pass rushers off the edge. Smith was a probable candidate for a key spot in MU’s defensive line rotation.
Listed at 6-foot-5, 240 pounds and hailing from Baxley, Georgia, Smith displays the lean build often favored in modern edge rushers.
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His injury came during part of a Tuesday morning practice that was open to the media. During a one-on-one drill that resembled a punt coverage player trying to shed a block, Smith was going against another defensive end but stumbled to the Memorial Stadium turf during his rep. He stayed down on the field for a minute or two before being helped toward Missouri’s locker room, visibly limiting the weight on his left leg.
The likes of Joe Moore III, Eddie Kelly and Jahkai Lang are likely to see bigger roles with Smith out.