We told you yesterday that Michigan State star cornerback Johnny Adams was dealing with a case of turf toe. The Spartans were hopeful Adams could still play in Saturday's Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl against TCU.
That looks less likely now. Head coach Mark Dantonio told the Detroit Free Press today that he did not expect Adams to be available in the game.
"You always hold out hope that he may play, but I just don't know," Dantonio told the paper. "We'll have to see come game time, but my expectations are that (he won't)."
Senior Mitchell White would likely take Adams' place in the starting lineup, while redshirt freshman Trae Waynes could see more playing time.
"Trae Waynes has had excellent bowl practices and he has outstanding ability," Dantonio told the Free Press. "Mitchell has game experience. I think those guys will share the position."
Dantonio also mentioned receiver Tony Lippett, a former starter at cornerback, as a possibility.
This is obviously a huge loss for the Spartans, as Adams was a first-team All-Big Ten performer and one of the top corners in the country. He's excellent in coverage and is a physical player who can be used on corner blitzes. The team's other star cornerback, Darqueze Dennard, will have to have a big game to help counter TCU standout receiver Josh Boyce.
And that may not be all the secondary problems for Michigan State. The Free Press reports that safety Isaiah Lewis was in a walking boot Wednesday after injuring his foot in practice this week. Lewis said he expects to play, but he might not be 100 percent.
