Mississippi State's Malik Dear tears ACL

Mississippi State wide receiver Malik Dear is facing an extended absence after tearing his ACL during spring practice. The junior has already undergone surgery, according to Will Sammon of The Clarion-Ledger.

“It will be a while before we know where he’s at and whether or not he’d be available this season,” Mullen said. “I think it will be well into August before we have an idea.”

Dear caught 23 passes for 264 yards and two touchdowns last season, while also rushing for 124 yards and a touchdown.

He was expected to be a big part of the Bulldogs' offense in the slot due to his playmaking abilities as a receiver and runner.