Malik McDowell Injury: Updates on Michigan State Star's Ankle and Return

Michigan State Spartans defensive lineman Malik McDowell has been out since Nov. 12 as he recovers from an ankle injury. It is currently unclear when he'll return to the field.

Continue for updates.

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McDowell Out vs. Ohio State

Saturday, Nov. 19

McDowell will not be available to play Saturday against Ohio State, according to Matt Charboneau of the Detroit News.

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Spartans Defense Needs McDowell Healthy

McDowell is Michigan State's most disruptive defensive lineman, so losing him for even one game may hinder the team's run-stopping capabilities.

The junior's absence also figures to limit the ways in which the Spartans are able to get creative and mix up coverages along their defensive front.

"The Spartans have lined McDowell up in just about every spot along the defensive line and that will be a tremendous selling point to NFL evaluators," NFL.com's Lance Zierlein wrote. "While McDowell hasn't had the same success rushing the passer as he did last year, he's very capable of slipping around or between blockers and creating a menacing specter for quarterbacks."

Since Michigan State is allowing 160 rushing yards per game—which ranks 57th overall—the Spartans will need to turn in a polished and disciplined effort if they want to finish the season strong.