Florida State Football: How Recent Injuries Could Impact the Seminoles' Season

Florida State was fortunate that it didn't suffer major injuries during its national title run in 2013. However, the Seminoles may not be as lucky this season.

Starting defensive tackles Eddie Goldman and Nile Lawrence-Stample, along with backup Justin Shanks, suffered leg injuries as a result of cut blocks from The Citadel offensive linemen in the Seminoles' 37-12 win on Saturday night.

None of the three practiced on Tuesday afternoon, and coach Jimbo Fisher said their status would be evaluated day by day.

No. 1 FSU (2-0) will certainly benefit from a bye week to rest up and possibly get some of the linemen back for the ACC opener against Clemson on Sept. 20. The healthy return of the linemen is crucial to the Seminoles' defensive success in 2014.

When defensive tackle Timmy Jernigan left to the NFL after his junior season, he left a large void in the middle of a Seminoles defense that allowed just 12.6 points per game in 2013.

FSU went into the season with only a few experienced defensive tackles: Goldman started 13 games a year ago, Lawrence-Stample made six starts and a few others had seen some playing time as reserves.

If Goldman and Lawrence-Stample are not able to play against Clemson or beyond, it could be a crushing blow to the defense.

While Goldman and Lawrence-Stample combined for just 34 tackles in 2013, they are key in collapsing the pocket on passing downs or occupying the attention of offensive linemen in rushing situations, which allows FSU's linebackers to make plays.

If the defensive tackles are not able to play, it could continue to affect FSU's struggles on third down. Oklahoma State (8-for-16) and The Citadel (11-for-17) were able to easily move the chains in these situations, although the Bulldogs weren't able to score until the fourth quarter.

FSU has depth—just not a lot of experience—at defensive tackle.

After Goldman and Lawrence-Stample were injured, the Seminoles turned to redshirt junior Derrick Mitchell (four tackles) and a large group of freshmen to fill in. Redshirt freshman Keith Bryant saw the playing field for the first time and had two tackles, while true freshman Derrick Nnadi added three tackles.

Fisher praised Mitchell's performance against The Citadel.

"Probably played the best of anybody up front," Fisher said. "Derrick has played as solid as anybody. I feel he's like a starter. You can put him in the game and feel very comfortable about what he’s doing and how he's doing it."

Mitchell has been sidelined by back injuries twice in his FSU career but said he felt healthy for the first time in years when he went through offseason conditioning drills in February.

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"It feels great every time I put my hand in the dirt," Mitchell said. "I thank God and I thank Coach Fisher and Coach Odell (Haggins) for never giving up on me."

FSU's 2014 signing class included five defensive tackles—Nnadi, Demarcus Christmas, Fredrick Jones, Adam Torres and Arthur Williams. So far, Nnadi has seen the most playing time. Christmas had a tackle against The Citadel.

Fisher has been impressed with Nnadi.

"I think Nnadi has a great future and he can help us quickly," Fisher said. "Big, strong, athletic."

If FSU doesn't have experienced linemen like Goldman and Lawrence-Stample available, Mitchell would be first in line to start. But then it could be up to players like Bryant, Nnadi and Christmas to complete a rotation that allows FSU to have fresh linemen in the game.

"We don't know for sure if we'll have those guys, preferably we will," Mitchell said. "You just got to go out there and keep working hard like you're trying to get a starting position."

All quotes obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted. Stats are courtesy of FSU game notes and the team's 2014 media guide. All recruiting information is courtesy of 247Sports.

Bob Ferrante is the Florida State Lead Writer for Bleacher Report. Follow him on Twitter.