Casey Woods provides Missouri State football injury update ahead of Marshall game

SPRINGFIELD — Missouri State secured its first win of the season with a 48-14 drubbing over FCS Lindenwood on Saturday, Sept. 12. In the win, however, the Bears suffered some key injuries.

During head coach Casey Woods' press conference on Monday, Sept. 14, he gave an update on the health of his roster.

Linebacker Dylan Dixson is set to undergo neck surgery and will miss the season. Dixson did not feature against Lindenwood. His injury did not stem from one particular play, according to Woods.

"I hate that for him and it's something that we will have to fight through," Woods said. "Dylan has had kind of a lingering issue. We did some more research on it and felt like this was the time to correct it."

See our best photos from Missouri State football vs Lindenwood in Week 2

Missouri State's starting center and captain Isaiah Villanueva exited the game against Lindenwood in the first half. He was on the sidelines with a boot for the remainder of the game.

Starting kicker Yousef Obeid did not feature against Lindenwood, either. Punter Stewart McDonald took over kicking duties for Obeid.

Wide receiver Makai Cope was scratched late last week. Cope had one target in the Bears ' defeat to Texas A&M.

"We'll see. I would call them questionable," Woods said about all three players. "I would not say full go just yet."

Linebacker Heiko Malone, who was injured during Week 1, remains out for the season.

Missouri State hosts Marshall at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 19.

Liam Keating covers high school sports and Missouri State athletics for The Springfield News-Leader. Send stats or information to him at Lkeating@usatodayco.com