Michigan State head coach Mel Tucker. Adam Cairns / USA TODAY NETWORK

No. 12 Michigan State facing major player shortage due to flu outbreak

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Grey Papke | Last updated 11/27/21

The Michigan State Spartans are dealing with a major problem ahead of their regular season finale against Penn State.

Numerous Spartans players on both sides of the ball are dealing with a flu outbreak, according to multiple reports. The Action Network’s Brett McMurphy, who first reported the story, said Michigan State could be down as many as eight starters.

Michigan State has been hit by flu bug & rash of injuries & may be w/out up to 20 players, including possibly 6-8 starters against Penn State Saturday, sources told @ActionNetworkHQ

— Brett McMurphy (@Brett_McMurphy) November 26, 2021

ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg added further description to the scope of the outbreak. He reported that offensive linemen, defensive linemen, and quarterbacks have all been impacted. The list of players showing symptoms has grown during the week, with some players planning to try to play through their illness.

This is definitely not how Michigan State envisioned the end of the season going, particularly after their game last week. The Spartans can still finish 10-2 and put themselves in contention for a New Year’s Six game.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: